Heidegger’s AI Revolution: Unleashing Freedom or Endangering Humanity?
Exploring the Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Human Freedom and Essence through the Lens of Martin Heidegger’s Philosophy
“Everywhere we remain unfree and chained to technology, whether we passionately affirm or deny it.” — Heidegger
In the mid-2000s, AI’s reputation had declined so much that many researchers avoided using the term directly. Instead, they referred to their work with alternative names like informatics, machine learning, or intelligent systems, possibly to secure funding without the baggage of AI’s unfulfilled promises. At that time, the field experienced something similar to an “AI Winter,” with people taking AI less seriously.
When writing my thesis, I focused on the broader concept of technology, within which AI has always fit. Nowadays, when discussing technology, it’s often possible to substitute “artificial intelligence” as its latest, widely-discussed incarnation. While this isn’t always the case, it serves as an interesting point for reflection.
What Does Heidegger Have To Do With AI?
Martin Heidegger (1889–1976), a prominent yet controversial 20th-century philosopher, significantly…
