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Introduction

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Cyborg Futures

Part of the book series: Social and Cultural Studies of Robots and AI ((SOCUSRA))

Abstract

The introduction provides an overview of the culture of artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics. Discussions about AI and robotics have largely been shaped by computer science and engineering, steered by corporate and military interests, forged by transhumanist philosophy and libertarian politics, animated by fiction, and hyped by the media. Widening the conversation, this collection of essays brings together academics from evolutionary biology, literary theory, robotics, digital culture, anthropology, sociology, and environmental studies to consider the impacts of this technology on society. From fiction passing as science to the illusion of AI autonomy to the business of ethics to the automation of war, these chapters expose some of the problematic assumptions and myths driving the field in order to better assess its risks and potential.

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Correspondence to Teresa Heffernan .

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Heffernan, T. (2019). Introduction. In: Heffernan, T. (eds) Cyborg Futures. Social and Cultural Studies of Robots and AI. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-21836-2_1

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