We, robots: Questioning the Neutrality of Technology, Ethical AI and Technological Determinism

This book takes a philosophical look at traditional technological tools such as hammers and drills as well as the modern: autonomous cars, ChatGPT, smartphones, apps, steam engines, nuclear power plants, computers, and many other systems that surround us. The three main questions tackled are:

• Is technology neutral? Or is the design often intertwined with a Western or gendered perspective?
• What are the ethical risks of AI? Is it necessarily biased? Is the climate problem linked to smart technologies?
• Is technological determinism correct? In other words, is the world controlled by engineers since the digital revolution, or are their inventions merely a product of society?

Lode Lauwaert and Bartek Chomanski offer an idiosyncratic perspective on technology and AI. The result is a nuanced and critical view of the key themes of our time. This book appeals broadly to students, researchers as well as non-academic audiences for an introduction to the philosophy of technology and AI.

“This book explores key themes that all revolve around the idea that technology is not neutral. This is a message for all of us. Because technology is us.” Mark Coeckelbergh, University of Vienna