Introduction to Digital Humanism
A Textbook
- Open Access
- 2024
- Open Access
- Book
- Editors
- Hannes Werthner
- Carlo Ghezzi
- Jeff Kramer
- Julian Nida-Rümelin
- Bashar Nuseibeh
- Erich Prem
- Allison Stanger
- Publisher
- Springer Nature Switzerland
About this book
This open access textbook introduces and defines digital humanism from a diverse range of disciplines. Following the 2019 Vienna Manifesto, the book calls for a digital humanism that describes, analyzes, and, most importantly, influences the complex interplay of technology and humankind, for a better society and life, fully respecting universal human rights.
The book is organized in three parts: Part I “Background” provides the multidisciplinary background needed to understand digital humanism in its philosophical, cultural, technological, historical, social, and economic dimensions. The goal is to present the necessary knowledge upon which an effective interdisciplinary discourse on digital humanism can be founded. Part II “Digital Humanism – a System’s View” focuses on an in-depth presentation and discussion of the main digital humanism concerns arising in current digital systems. The goal of this part is to make readers aware and sensitive to these issues, including e.g. the control and autonomy of AI systems, privacy and security, and the role of governance. Part III “Critical and Societal Issues of Digital Systems” delves into critical societal issues raised by advances of digital technologies. While the public debate in the past has often focused on them separately, especially when they became visible through sensational events the aim here is to shed light on the entire landscape and show their interconnected relationships. This includes issues such as AI and ethics, fairness and bias, privacy and surveillance, platform power and democracy.
This textbook is intended for students, teachers, and policy makers interested in digital humanism. It is designed for stand-alone and for complementary courses in computer science, or curricula in science, engineering, humanities and social sciences. Each chapter includes questions for students and an annotated reading list to dive deeper into the associated chapter material. The book aims to provide readers with as wide an exposure as possible to digital advances and their consequences for humanity. It includes constructive ideas and approaches that seek to ensure that our collective digital future is determined through human agency.
Advertisement
Table of Contents
-
Background
-
Frontmatter
-
Humanism and Enlightenment
- Open Access
Download PDF-versionThis chapter delves into the historical and philosophical foundations of humanism and the Enlightenment, emphasizing their interdependence and relevance in the digital age. It argues that the ideals of freedom, reason, and responsibility, central to both humanism and the Enlightenment, can be enhanced by digital transformation, leading to an 'Enlightenment 2.0'. The text also addresses the potential challenges and criticisms of this perspective, such as the risk of dehumanization and the need for responsible AI development. By exploring the relationship between humanism, the Enlightenment, and digitalization, the chapter offers a nuanced understanding of how these historical ideas can inform and shape our digital future.AI Generated
This summary of the content was generated with the help of AI.
AbstractSome authors argue that digital transformation is a form of “counter-Enlightenment.” And indeed, there is a tendency of transhumanist and anti-humanist thought in present-day debates around digitalization. Software systems are described as if they were persons endowed with mental states and moral or immoral attitudes. For some, the values of humanism and Enlightenment that framed human rights and democratic constitutions have become obsolete. In fact, humans are delegating responsibility to artificial intelligence and digital tools. Simultaneously, digitalization can lead to a greater emphasis on humans as rational beings and grant them greater freedom for personal development. Therefore, the question “What is the relevance of humanism and Enlightenment in the era of digital transformation?” arises and more basically “What are the constitutive elements of humanism and Enlightenment and are they still relevant, or do they even gain importance in digital transformation processes?”. These and other questions will be addressed in this chapter. -
Philosophical Foundations of Digital Humanism
- Open Access
Download PDF-versionThe chapter delves into the philosophical foundations of digital humanism, presenting a new ethical framework for the age of artificial intelligence. It challenges the 'Silicon Valley ideology' that envisions a perfect digital utopia, instead advocating for an instrumental approach to digitalization. The core concepts of humanism—reason, freedom, and responsibility—are explored, emphasizing human authorship and the normative concepts that shape our understanding of the human condition. The chapter discusses the theoretical implications of digital humanism, rejecting both mechanistic and animistic paradigms, and outlines practical implications, such as the need to avoid attributing responsibility to AI systems and the incompatibility of algorithmic decisions with human dignity. The text concludes with a call to actively shape digital transformation in accordance with humanist principles, making it a compelling read for those interested in the ethical dimensions of technology and artificial intelligence.AI Generated
This summary of the content was generated with the help of AI.
AbstractDigital humanism is an ethics for the digital age that interprets and shapes the process of digital transformation in accordance with the core concepts of humanist philosophy and practice. The core idea of humanist philosophy is human authorship, which is closely linked to the practice of attributing responsibility and, therefore, also with the concepts of reason and freedom. Digital humanism has several different implications: From a theoretical point of view, it means rejecting both the mechanistic paradigm (“humans are machines”) and the animistic paradigm (“machines are (like) humans”); from a practical point of view, it especially requires us not to attribute responsibility to AI and not to let AI make ethical decisions. -
Evolution of Computing
- Open Access
Download PDF-versionThis chapter provides a detailed account of the evolution of computing, from its early beginnings in the 1930s with Alan Turing's concept of the universal computer to the rapid advancements in machine learning and artificial intelligence today. It delves into the key milestones such as the development of the first electronic computers, the birth of the Internet, and the rise of personal computers. The narrative underscores the transformative impact of computing on various aspects of society, including business, finance, social relations, and government. The chapter also discusses the challenges and concerns surrounding digital humanism, emphasizing the need for a nuanced understanding of computing's far-reaching consequences. By tracing the evolution of computing, the chapter offers insights into how technology has shaped and continues to shape our world, making it a compelling read for anyone interested in the history and future of computing.AI Generated
This summary of the content was generated with the help of AI.
AbstractComputers and computing emerged within a lifetime and completely changed our world. Although their history is brief, the change they precipitated has been rapid and constant. Today’s world would be unimaginably different without these machines. Not necessarily worse, but certainly slower, static, disconnected, and poorer. One has to look back to the steam engine in the nineteenth century or electricity in the early twentieth century to find technologies with similar rapid and far-reaching effects. This chapter briefly describes the evolution of computing and highlights how its growth is closely tied to concerns of digital humanism. -
The Digital Revolution in a Historical Perspective
- Open Access
Download PDF-versionThe chapter delves into the Digital Revolution since the late 1970s and its critical influence on and by the political revolutions in the former Soviet Union and Eastern Europe between 1989 and 1991. It argues that this interplay has led to a fundamental reordering of global geopolitical architecture, with the United States resisting the loss of its power to East Asia and China. Drawing parallels with Gramsci’s interregnum, the text explores the unprecedented speed of social change since the mid-1980s, comparing it with historical periods such as the Renaissance and the Industrial Revolution. The chapter highlights the fusion of political change and technological progress, emphasizing the role of technological innovations like the printing press, maritime technology, and steam power in reshaping society and politics. It also discusses the consequences of these revolutions, including mass violence and economic inequality, and reflects on the unpredictable nature of the current digital revolution, particularly the issue of scale and the potential for global violence.AI Generated
This summary of the content was generated with the help of AI.
AbstractThe coincidence and interaction between political and technological revolutions have resulted in epoch-changing social, political, and economic developments on three occasions over the past 500 years: the Renaissance and Reformation with the invention of print and weapons technology, the French and American revolutions with the industrial revolution, and the collapse of communism with the information revolution. Each boast their specific attributes but follow a pattern which can assist us in understanding the implications of today’s technologies for our social and political structures. -
The Social Responsibilities of Scientists and Technologists in the Digital Age
- Open Access
Download PDF-versionThe chapter delves into the historical context of scientists' social responsibilities during the Atomic Age, highlighting the relevance of these lessons to the Digital Age. It discusses the societal impacts of digital technologies, focusing on issues such as data bias, economic inequalities, and environmental consequences. The United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals serve as a framework to analyze these impacts, with a particular focus on the need for responsible digital innovation and governance. The chapter emphasizes the importance of scientists and technologists engaging in societal issues, urging them to take an active role in shaping a more equitable and sustainable future.AI Generated
This summary of the content was generated with the help of AI.
AbstractWhat responsibilities do digital scientists and professionals have in serving society and the public, beyond doing “purely” “fundamental” scientific, technological, or academic inquiry alone? Now that “the digital” has become pervasive in society, even in normal people’s lives, these are pressing questions that call for answers. They go beyond individual ethical considerations or professional codes of conduct, as society-systemic aspects heavily come into play. We explore some of the complex historical and contemporary relationships between technology and society as a way to formulate useful insights for digital ethics and governance of digital technologies today. -
Digital Transformation Through the Lens of Intersectional Gender Research Challenges and Needs for Action
- Open Access
Download PDF-versionThis chapter delves into the complex relationship between digital transformation and intersectional gender research, drawing on historical feminist movements and contemporary challenges. It argues that a more just digital future requires a critical examination of who is included in the category of the human and how digital technology impacts and is shaped by gender. The chapter explores the unequal participation in technology, the gendered impact of digital products, and the need for accountable and inclusive design practices. By integrating feminist theory and epistemologies, the text offers a comprehensive analysis of the intersectional challenges in digital transformation and provides actionable steps for creating more equitable digital technologies.AI Generated
This summary of the content was generated with the help of AI.
AbstractIn recent years, digital technology has been discussed both in its potential to promote or to demote gender equity. This field of tension, between empowerment and threat of amplifying inequalities, is explored in this contribution. Moreover, this chapter views digital humanism through the lens of intersectional gender research. After discussing the historic relation between gender and humanism, concepts and terminology of gender research and feminist theory are explained in more detail. Following this, the interaction of gender and technology is illustrated through examples. Finally, the lessons learned part contains suggestions and calls for action important for a more inclusive and equitable digital transformation. -
No Digital Citizens Without Digital Humanism
- Open Access
Download PDF-versionThe chapter argues for the necessity of integrating informatics education into school curricula to address the digital humanism perspective. It highlights the importance of teaching both the scientific principles of digital technology and its societal impacts, emphasizing the need for students to understand the ethical and human dimensions of digital systems. The chapter discusses the European approach to digital education, which aims to provide a high-level reference framework for informatics education that balances technical and humanistic aspects. It also underscores the potential dangers of generative AI systems and the need for responsible use and regulation. The chapter concludes by emphasizing the importance of education in digital humanism for fostering a future where technology serves human well-being and societal progress.AI Generated
This summary of the content was generated with the help of AI.
AbstractUsing a Digital Humanism viewpoint when teaching informatics is the key to face the challenges posed to our society by digital technologies. This is particularly relevant for education in school, where children are going to learn about the basic principles and concepts of the discipline. Considering the potential of digital machines and the advancement of the generative artificial intelligence systems, it is essential that school curricula are aimed at developing the proper attitude toward digital technologies since the early years. This means paying attention to both technical and social elements of the digital systems and preparing teachers for this challenge adequately. -
Digital Transformation, Digital Humanism: What Needs to Be Done
- Open Access
Download PDF-versionThis chapter delves into the multifaceted nature of Digital Transformation, examining its rapid evolution from stand-alone computers to a global, interconnected system. It discusses the co-evolution of humans and machines, the historical context of IT development, and the critical issues arising from this transformation, such as economic inequalities, environmental impacts, and the monopolization of the Web. The concept of Digital Humanism is introduced as a response to these challenges, emphasizing the need for a democratic, multidisciplinary approach to shape technology according to human values. The chapter also presents the Vienna Manifesto for Digital Humanism and a research and innovation roadmap, outlining key areas for future work. It concludes by stressing the importance of collective action and a long-term, sustainable perspective in navigating the complex interplay between technology and society.AI Generated
This summary of the content was generated with the help of AI.
AbstractInformation technology (IT) changes our society and world, from the individual level up to the ongoing geopolitical powerplay. From an ontological point of view, it influences how we perceive the world and how we think about it. This transformation only happened in the short time span of about 80 years, and it is continuing. We highlight some of the major features of this process. Besides its enormous achievements, this development has serious shortcomings. We will discuss some of them and describe our positive answer: Digital Humanism, an approach that describes, analyzes, and, most importantly, influences the complex interplay of technology and humankind, for a better society and life, fully respecting universal human rights. It is a proactive approach, focusing on the integration of technical and social innovation. Then we will present our Digital Humanism initiative, discuss its research and innovation roadmap, and finish with a general framework integrating the different dimensions of this initiative. [Some arguments have already been partly expressed in other publications such as Werthner (Electronic Markets, 32:145–151, 2022a) and Werthner et al. (IEEE Computer, 56(1):138–142, 2023).]
-
- Title
- Introduction to Digital Humanism
- Editors
-
Hannes Werthner
Carlo Ghezzi
Jeff Kramer
Julian Nida-Rümelin
Bashar Nuseibeh
Erich Prem
Allison Stanger
- Copyright Year
- 2024
- Publisher
- Springer Nature Switzerland
- Electronic ISBN
- 978-3-031-45304-5
- Print ISBN
- 978-3-031-45303-8
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-45304-5
PDF files of this book don't fully comply with PDF/UA standards, but do feature limited screen reader support, described non-text content (images, graphs), bookmarks for easy navigation and searchable, selectable text. Users of assistive technologies may experience difficulty navigating or interpreting content in this document. We recognize the importance of accessibility, and we welcome queries about accessibility for any of our products. If you have a question or an access need, please get in touch with us at accessibilitysupport@springernature.com
