While my project aims to attract a wide, general audience and provoke conversation, and eventually change, regarding the commodification of AI, it covers a broad scope, and is ambitious in its goals. I elaborate further on these potential issues below.
2.10 How will your project demonstrate your ability to apply interdisciplinary perspectives and relevant methods by applying the research skills and advanced knowledge you have acquired over the course of your studies?
This project will integrate interdisciplinary perspectives by drawing on knowledge from AI research, ethics, economics, and policy analysis. Through a comprehensive literature review and critical analysis, it will synthesize insights from various disciplines to address complex ethical dilemmas associated with AI commodification and decentralization. By leveraging advanced research skills in AI studies, the project will propose practical solutions and policy recommendations grounded in empirical evidence and ethical considerations. This interdisciplinary approach will foster a holistic understanding of AI’s societal impact and promote informed decision-making at the intersection of technology, ethics, and governance.
2.9 Begin to draft your Final Project Plan
My project’s working title is: Uncharted Territory: Risks of AI Commodification in a Decentralised World. The thesis is that the commodification of AI is perilous due to conflicting AI safety objectives (centralization) and capitalist goals (decentralization), leading to a safety-commerce conflict, and my mode of representation will be the multimodal output – song (score, lyrics) – accompanied by 7000-8000 words.
Continue reading 2.9 Begin to draft your Final Project Plan
2.8 Provide a preliminary overview of and reflect on the academic literature (secondary sources) that you will be drawing on for your project
In my reading so far, some academics view AI capitalism as an opportunity for innovation and growth with responsible practices, while others raise profound concerns about its alignment with capitalist interests, potential harms on labour and society, and the need for robust governance to address ethical and societal challenges posed by AI commercialisation. The discourse underscores a complex interplay between technological advancement, economic systems, and ethical considerations within the AI landscape. I have summarised the articles and chapters I have read thus far below.
2.7 Reflect on the EFI shared core ‘Representing Data’ OR ‘Building Near Futures’ and its relevance to the development of your project idea
In my group’s pitch for Building Near Futures, we envision a future in which CRISPR technology, initially known for its controversial role in genetic manipulation and designer babies, takes on a new purpose: combating deadly viruses like the fictional Sudden Infant Death Virus (SIDVID-27). With traditional vaccines ineffective against SIDVID-27, we propose the use of CRISPR to edit the genomes of embryos, offering a potential shield against this devastating disease.
2.6 After your supervisor meeting – how are you moving forward with this feedback and what are the next steps?
As per my supervisor’s advice, my immediate focus will primarily revolve around developing my supporting statement, with less emphasis on the creative output itself. Here is my plan moving forward:
2.5 Supervisor meeting – what was discussed, what feedback and ideas did you receive?
Prior to my first supervisor meeting, I was unclear on the content required for my project’s supporting statement, as well as the most appropriate next steps to take. My supervisor, Aidan, provided some very helpful feedback, which is summarised below:
2.4 Reflect on this week’s elective course and its relevance to the development of your project idea
While I did not take an elective course this week, I did take one at the end of last week, which was called Textile Revolution: Unstitching the Linear. In this course, we were taught about the negative effects of fast fashion and non-sustainable textiles on the world, in economic, climate and ethical terms. The economic element was the key link to my project, which I will discuss below.
2.3 Reflect on any ‘extra-curricular’ events, talks, workshops, etc. that you have attended within or outside EFI so far this year and their relevance to your project
While the in-person/live events have been interesting, they don’t tend to relate directly to my project idea. Nevertheless, I’ve found a great deal of value from some pre-recorded talks and events on platforms like YouTube. Here are two of my favourites.
2.2 Reflect on the programme core course and its relevance to the development of your project idea
My programme’s core course, Data Ethics as a Practice, provided invaluable insights into several diverse data and AI tools, highlighting their potential to safeguard society against AI-related risks. Although the detailed workings of each tool were intriguing, they didn’t directly pertain to my project idea. However, the course demonstrated the difficulties in managing AI responsibly and showed that these challenges often arise from the profit-seeking behaviour that thrives in capitalist systems.
