Speech Machines: The Philosophy of Artificial Intelligence

Philosophy views language as one of humanity’s noblest and most important attributes: it enables us to explore the entire world, express even our deepest thoughts, and communicate values. It is fundamental to the unique freedom and sovereignty that people possess in their lives. But what happens when we let a speech machine explain the world to us, instill values ​​in us, and think for us? Roberto Szymanowski, a media philosopher and internet expert, wants to find out more and embarks on a research journey to uncover the startling consequences of this ongoing transfer of sovereignty.

Every technology has the potential to impose its own logic on its unwitting users. Do chatbots like ChatGPT, Gemini, and others discourage us from reading, writing, and thinking? Do they persuade us to adopt opinions we don’t actually believe in? Do they treat us like children precisely because they are so eager to serve us? And who trained these speech machines, and for whose benefit? Siemanowski explores these and other questions—with a philosophical understanding of how new technology is subtly, yet profoundly, altering the human condition.