MORPHING INTELLIGENCE
A thought on
A Sea of Data: Apophenia and Pattern (Mis-)Recognition
Hito Steyerl
Morphing Intelligence
Catherine Malabou
Making Kin with the Machines
Jason E. Lewis, Noelani Arista, Archer Pechawis, Suzanne Kite
I found all three papers intricately interrelated in some way, based on the theme of technological evolution and its impact on society in general. Overall, these concepts are related in that both emphasize the evolution of technology and its impact on society, as well as the need for ethical considerations and responsible management. We can gain a deeper understanding of the complex relationship between humans and technology by exploring these themes in a broader context.
Malabou introduces the concept of “morphing intelligence,” which she defines as a dynamic and plastic form of intelligence that is capable of changing and adapting over time. She suggests that this is a more accurate way of understanding human intelligence, as it takes into account the complex and ever-changing nature of the brain. Malabou writes: “Intelligence is no longer a static or stable capacity; it has become, rather, a plastic and modifiable reality.” (Malabou, 2019, p. 2)
Consider how technology is both expanding and complicating our understanding of the world around us as a means of connecting these ideas. As Malabou notes, “the new concept of intelligence proposed by cybernetics is not simply a refinement of an older one; it is something quite different, born of a new ontological situation, which involves the emergence of artificial agents.” Similarly, the authors of “Making Kin with the Machines” argue that Al can offer a new perspective on Indigenous epistemologies, but also caution that it can reinforce colonialism and the dispossession of Indigenous peoples.
With regard to “A Sea of Data,” the abundance of images and data generated by technology presents both an opportunity and a challenge. On the one hand, it allows for new forms of analysis and understanding, as Steyerl notes, “we are in the midst of an unexpected and profound shift in the technologies and practices of seeing and showing.” On the other hand, the sheer volume of information can make it difficult to discern patterns and meaning, as Steyerl warns, “the automated procedures of sorting, selecting, and recognizing images lead to a constant overproduction and underdetermination of patterns.”
Hito Steyerl’s essay “Data Streams” explores the concept of data and how it is constantly produced, circulated, and consumed in our modern society. Steyerl explores the idea of “pattern recognition” in her essay, which is the process by which we identify and categorize data based on specific patterns or structures. In her view, pattern recognition is not a neutral process, but is instead influenced by factors such as social, political, and economic circumstances. She writes, “Pattern recognition is not a simple matter of optical identification or of neuronal firings. It is rather an act of interpretation that is embedded in social, cultural, and historical contexts” (Steyerl, 2018, p. 6).
Among the resources supporting this connection is the book “Critical Digital Studies: A Reader”, edited by Arthur Kroker and Marilouise Kroker. In the introduction, they write, “The digital is not only a new technical process or instrument; it is a new regime of signification that is rewriting the very conditions of cultural existence” (Kroker & Kroker, 2008, p. 4). The idea of a new regime of signification is echoed throughout all three papers, as they explore how technology is reshaping our understanding and representation of the world.
As a whole, these three papers explore the impact of technology on society. Each paper presents a unique perspective on how technology is changing the world around us, whether it be through the evolution of intelligence, the changing nature of perception, or the combination of traditional knowledge with contemporary technology.
To conclude these concepts, I would like to discuss the future of artificial intelligence from the perspective of speculation. “The Singularity is Near”, by Ray Kurzweil, suggests that advances in artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and nanotechnology will result in a technological singularity, at which artificial intelligence will be more intelligent than humans and able to improve itself at an exponential rate. As predicted by Kurzweil, the singularity will occur around 2045, resulting in a dramatic transformation of human society.
In addition, Nick Bostrom’s book “Superintelligence” provides a perspective on the future of artificial intelligence. As Bostrom argues in the book, the development of superintelligent artificial intelligence poses an existential threat to humanity. According to Bostrom, we should develop methods to align the goals of superintelligent AI with human values in order to prevent it from posing a threat to our security and safety.
In conclusion, the future of artificial intelligence is subject to ongoing debate and speculation, with different experts offering different perspectives on what it may entail. In spite of this, artificial intelligence is expected to continue to have a significant impact on the economy and society in the coming years, with possible benefits and risks that need to be carefully managed and understood.
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· Crawford, H. S. and K., & Crawford, H. S. and K. (2017, April 18). Data Streams. The New Inquiry. Retrieved March 1, 2023, from https://thenewinquiry.com/data-streams/Links to an external site.
· Kroker, A., & Kroker, M. (2013). Critical Digital Studies: A reader. University of Toronto Press.
· Kurzweil, R. (2005). The Singularity is Near. Penguin.
· Bostrom, N. (2014). Superintelligence: Paths, Dangers, Strategies. Oxford University Press.