EmbeddingGemma 2: an open, lightweight multimodal embedding model
deepmind.google·6d ago
AI Engineering
Lobsters·Jul 23·5 min read
Whose freedom is it anyway?
TL;DR
In 1955, John McCarthy coined the term 'artificial intelligence' to secure funding for a workshop, which has since shaped the field and its discourse. The language of technology influences ownership and accountability, raising critical questions about who defines and uses these terms.
✦ Why It Matters
Consider how the language you use around technology influences perceptions and ownership in your projects.
Key Takeaways
- Question the narrative of technology as inherently liberating.
- Recognize the social conditions that shape technology's impact.
- Evaluate who benefits from new technologies in your organization.
- Engage in discussions about technology's role in promoting true freedom.
Full Summary
In 1955, John McCarthy sought funding for a workshop that would establish a new field, which he named 'artificial intelligence' (AI). This term has since shaped the allocation of vast resources and public discourse.
The article explores how technology is marketed as a means of freedom, yet often reinforces existing inequalities. It highlights that freedom is not merely the absence of interference (negative freedom) but also the presence of conditions that enable individuals to thrive (positive freedom).
Historical examples, such as the washing machine and personal computers, illustrate that while these technologies promised liberation, they often maintained or exacerbated existing social hierarchies. The narrative around AI follows a similar pattern, where claims of empowerment overlook the privileges of those making them, leading to a skewed understanding of freedom in the digital age.