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Artificial Intelligence and the Black Hole of Capitalism: A More-than-Human Political Ethology

Author

Listed:
  • Nick J. Fox

    (Department of Social and Psychological Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield HD1 3DH, UK)

Abstract

This paper applies a ‘more-than-human’ theoretical framework to assess artificial intelligence (AI) in the context of a capitalist economy. Case studies of AI applications from the fields of finance, medicine, commerce and manufacturing elucidate how this capitalist context shapes the aims and objectives of these innovations. The early sections of the paper set out a more-than-human theoretical perspective on capitalism, to show how the accumulation of capital depends upon free flows of commodities, money and labour, and more-than-human forces associated with supply and demand. The paper concludes that while there will be many future applications of AI, it is already in thrall to capitalist enterprise. The primary social significance of AI is that it enhances capital accumulation and a capitalist ‘black hole’ that draws more and more human activity into its sphere of influence. AI has consequent negative social, political and environmental capacities, including financial uncertainty, waste, and social inequalities. Some ways to contain and even subvert these negative consequences of an AI-fuelled capitalism are suggested.

Suggested Citation

  • Nick J. Fox, 2024. "Artificial Intelligence and the Black Hole of Capitalism: A More-than-Human Political Ethology," Social Sciences, MDPI, vol. 13(10), pages 1-16, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jscscx:v:13:y:2024:i:10:p:507-:d:1486855
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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