Critical theory of artificial intelligence: A Marcusean perspective

Abstract

Currently, artificial intelligence (AI) promises the most effective solutions in every field, from economic growth and health issues to national security threats and global warming. As AI surpasses human performance in more and more areas, dependence on AI is growing rapidly among multiple industries and government agencies. While the rapid progress of AI in recent years is celebrated with great enthusiasm, these developments are also raising questions about the extinction of humanity. This thesis, on the other hand, offers a critical perspective on AI that is not constrained by instrumentalism or technological determinism. Although a substantial body of work already exists offering critical perspectives on AI, this thesis differs from existing literature in that it adopts Herbert Marcuse's critique of technology as the theoretical foundation and takes a Marcusean approach to critical AI studies. Following Marcuse, this thesis highlights the need for a more critical examination of the so-called benefits of AI and how its emancipatory potential is disrupted by technological rationality. Considering Marcuse's portrayal of a totally administered technological society was criticized for being technophobic and overly pessimist about the prospects of meaningful societal transformation, this thesis holds controversial implications. In this regard, this thesis seeks to contribute to critical AI studies from a Marcusean perspective while demonstrating how Marcuse's critique can be leveraged to reasonably negate the hype surrounding AI. Drawing from Marcuse's critique of technology, this thesis reveals how AI, driven by technological rationality, perpetuates domination. To build this argument, the multi-dimensional political implications of AI will be explored. The first step will be an introduction to AI. This introduction will cover what the term generally means and will provide an overview of its historical, technical, and material aspects. On this basis, this thesis will posit the necessity of a broad, holistic, critical perspective for addressing the overall societal implications of AI. In line with this purpose, an overview of Marcuse's conception of domination, the first component of his critique of technology, will be provided. Essentially, the focus will be on highlighting the significance of Marcuse's conception of domination as a basis for a critical theory of technology. Next, the concept of technological rationality will be introduced, which is the second fundamental component of Marcuse's critique of technology. In doing so, it will be shown that Marcuse's critique of technology provides a solid theoretical basis for examining the genuine repercussions of modern technology. Finally, in light of Marcuse's critique of technology, a critical perspective on AI will be offered. This critique will begin by exploring how modern technology, and by extension AI, is subject to the constraints of capitalism. Then, the capitalist imperatives that drive AI, as well as its repressive and destructive patterns, will be demonstrated. Essentially, it will be argued that, driven by technological rationality, AI perpetuates domination, as evidenced by the exploitation of data, nature, and labor.