The Movable Host of Artificial Intelligence

AI discourses unfold through images, linguistic images, visual images and technical imaginaries. Therefore, AI must be viewed as a multilayered phenomenon that includes both technical and non-technical aspects, and it should be considered within the broader intellectual-historical context of its elements’ meaning. This includes image conceptions: images (Bilder), original images or archetypes (Urbilder), likenesses or depictions (Abbilder), exemplars or models (Vorbilder), simulacra, as well as visual images and linguistic images, along with clusters of ideas as those discussed in terms of conceptions of human (Menschenbilder), technical imaginaries (Technikbilder), world models and worldviews (Weltbilder). But what elements actually constitute AI? Which intellectual-historical context informs the meanings and understandings of AI? The central technomorphic images of humans and anthropomorphic images of technology discussed here are only a fraction of the phenomena, narratives, myths, schemas, ideas, etc., with which AI eagerly reacts semantically. Additionally—speaking vertically—topics ‘above’ and ‘below’ the human are potent in guiding understanding, and thus decision making and action, and must be considered when analysing AI, AI discourses, and their effects. In this regard, AI must be understood as a totality (Inbegriff) comprising a multitude of categorically heterogeneous elements. Those who do not consider the interests that constitute such totalities (Inbegriffe) can only grasp AI and its discourses superficially. The reactivity and propensity to couple with other concepts are dizzying, yet they are grounded and structured by the available intellectual-historical repertoire of coupling candidates. However, despite such semantic suggestions, AI no more decides, learns, acts, thinks, etc., than an autonomous car is autonomous, than a robot could be coerced, or than computer scientists, AI researchers, and data scientists could become creator gods by developing astonishing IT systems. Therefore, it is necessary to recall forgotten or overlooked metaphorical expressions, as well as the fundamental imagery and diverse image transfers of AI. AI is—expressed in Nietzsche’s terms—a host of metaphors and anthropomorphisms, a poetically intensified sum of human relations. Hence, the implicit semantic baggage of AI must be diligently explicated, and meanings inserted either intentionally or unconsciously must be reinterpreted. Such interpretation of AI must necessarily accompany AI development and dissemination.