“Articial Intelligence and Barbarism: A Critique of Digital Reason,” published by Athens School in 2025, represents a timely and profound philosophical examination of Articial Intelligence’s (AI) societal impact. Authored by Dr. Alexandros Schismenos, postdoctoral researcher at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, this work moves beyond conventional discussions to offer a nuanced, critical perspective.
The book challenges prevailing narratives of AI, advocating for “technoscepticism” rooted in “digital humanism,” rather than uncritically embracing technological promises (“technophilia”) or succumbing to fears of machine enslavement (“technophobia”).
The central argument of the book posits that technology is not neutral; instead, it inherently embodies power dynamics and ethical considerations. It underscores the indispensable role of the human subject—as creator, user, and signifer—at every stage of a digital system’s existence.
Schismenos critically analyzes AI’s metaphysical claims and its deep entanglement with corporate capitalist ventures, culminating in the fundamental political question: “Who controls the providers of AI?”.
The book offers a constructive vision for transcending “digital barbarism” and fostering a future grounded in “democratic digital humanism,” providing a comprehensive philosophical and political roadmap for navigating the ongoing digital ontological revolution.
The book is structured across four chapters:
○ Chapter One meticulously examines technoscepticism as a socio-historical critique of technology.
○ Chapter Two delves into the metaphysical foundations of AI and Articial
General Intelligence (AGI) as a scientic program.
○ Chapter Three offers a critical challenge to the prevailing ideology of AI as solely a corporate capitalist venture.
○ Chapter Four articulates a vision for overcoming “digital barbarism” and advancing towards a future characterized by democratic digital humanism
The book’s articulation of “technoscepticism” as a distinct philosophical position, moving beyond the binary of uncritical acceptance or outright rejection, is a significant intellectual contribution. This nuanced stance is precisely what distinguishes the work within academic discourse, positioning it as a sophisticated and constructive voice in the ongoing debate about AI’s societal role. This approach is highly appealing to scholarly audiences who seek rigorous, non-simplistic analyses that genuinely advance intellectual discussions rather than merely reiterating existing viewpoints.
Artificial Intelligence and Barbarism: A Critique of Digital Reason is an essential read for scholars, students, and anyone concerned with the ethical, social, and political dimensions of artificial intelligence. It provides a compelling framework for understanding the challenges posed by unchecked digital expansion and offers a philosophical lens through which to navigate the complexities of our increasingly AI-driven world.
- Language: English
- Print length: 193 pages
- Publisher : Athens School
- ISBN: 978-618-87772-1-7
- Dimensions: 13.97 x 1.09 x 21.59 cm
:
