In this presentation, we discuss the evolution of a PhD project that began with a focus on social philosophy and philosophy of technology, examining the impact of design features of digital environments, such as social media, on reasoning about universal moral norms. As the project progressed, a shift in methodological interests and the realization that the initial topic was very broad led to a focus on AI ethics, particularly the intersection of the performativity of ML applications and normative ethics of AI.
Initially, the research centered on discourse ethics in digital environments, yielding preliminary insights into whether the implicit anthropological assumptions, on which J. Habesmas’ theory of communicative action is based, are still relevant in the age of planetary computation. Recognizing some limitations of the discourse ethics framework, as well as the profound influence of AI systems features on moral reasoning in algorithmically infused societies, since early 2022, the project has transitioned to explore the normative implications of performative prediction in AI systems.
The current research questions are centered on the capacity of AI systems to influence populations by making predictions about them. Can performative predictions be equivalent to prescriptions? Can performative prediction have normative content? Where does this content come from? These questions are also relevant in the context of social philosophy, philosophy of technology, and media philosophy, as they illuminate the importance of assessing AI systems as human-computer interaction systems, not just formal systems.
By bridging the gap between initial research on discourse ethics in digital environments and the current focus on AI ethics and performative prediction, this presentation demonstrates the dynamic nature of philosophical inquiry, and emphasizes the significance of addressing evolving research questions in the broader political context.
Mykhailo Bogachov is a Ukrainian researcher and curator, interested in normativity in technology and art. Born in Kyiv, Ukraine. BA in Literature, MA in Philosophy (National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy, Kyiv, 2012-2018). Ph.D. student at H. Skovoroda Institute of Philosophy, Ukraine. Assistant curator at Ukho Music, a curatorial agency specializing in contemporary classical, experimental, and improvisational music. Previously worked as a PR manager at several Ukrainian organizations for music and film, and as a freelance journalist in music and art criticism. Co-founder of Open Library of Fine Arts (Kyiv). Temporarily based in Germany (Leibniz Universität Hannover).