AI Seasons

From the winter of excitement through the spring of metaphors and the summer of reflections to the autumn of clarity, 2023 has been a year of significant paradigm shifts and major developments in various aspects of AI.

Winter of excitement 

In November, Chat GPT was launched with a lot of excitement. We were writing papers, poems, and immersing in the magic of new tools. 

Spring of metaphors 

After initial magic, we started explaining this tool to ourselves. We did it via metaphors and analogies of what we already know. Metaphors were marshalled, including scary ones.

Summer of reflection 

Summer was quiet and time for reflections on AI. Jovan wrote a series of texts revisiting the history of philosophy through the lenses of AI. 

Autumn of clarity

It is time for clarity. AI is negotiated in the UN and bodies worldwide. Analogies that AI governance should be like IAIA or CERN, or IPCC should be revisited in the view of what is similar and different to AI field.


Autumn 2023

Four seasons of AI: From excitement to clarity in the first year of ChatGPT
Since the launch of ChatGPT, AI has evolved from a winter of excitement via a spring of metaphors and a summer of reflections to an autumn of clarity… Read more.
Four seasons of AI: From excitement to clarity in the first year of ChatGPT
Since the launch of ChatGPT, AI has evolved from a winter of excitement via a spring of metaphors and a summer of reflections to an autumn of clarity… Read more.
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Valtazar Bogišić: How can the 1888 Code inspire the AI code?
Our quest for effective AI governance can be informed by legal wisdom of Valtazar Bogisic, drafter of the Montenegrin civil code (1888) Read more.
portrait valtazar bogisic scaled 900x300 1
Valtazar Bogišić: How can the 1888 Code inspire the AI code?
Our quest for effective AI governance can be informed by legal wisdom of Valtazar Bogisic, drafter of the Montenegrin civil code (1888) Read more.
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How can we deal with AI risks?
Categorising strategies for managing AI risks into immediate, mid-term, and long-term threats. We emphasize a balanced approach to risk management, suggesting a comprehensive governance framework that includes regulatory measures to… Read more.
AI risks taxonomy 900x300 1
How can we deal with AI risks?
Categorising strategies for managing AI risks into immediate, mid-term, and long-term threats. We emphasize a balanced approach to risk management, suggesting a comprehensive governance framework that includes regulatory measures to… Read more.
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Jua Kali AI: Bottom-up algorithms for a Bottom-up economy
As AI becomes a cornerstone of the global economy, its foundations must be anchored in community-driven data, knowledge, and wisdom. Read more.
Kenya typical Kenyan micro enterprise 900x300 1
Jua Kali AI: Bottom-up algorithms for a Bottom-up economy
As AI becomes a cornerstone of the global economy, its foundations must be anchored in community-driven data, knowledge, and wisdom. Read more.
IGF2023
IGF 2023: Grasping AI while walking in the steps of Kyoto philosophers
Read more on relevance of Kyoto Philosophy School for AI governance. Nishodo Kitara’s wisdom helps envision an AI future as an extension of our quest for meaning. Read more.
IGF2023
IGF 2023: Grasping AI while walking in the steps of Kyoto philosophers
Read more on relevance of Kyoto Philosophy School for AI governance. Nishodo Kitara’s wisdom helps envision an AI future as an extension of our quest for meaning. Read more.
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Diplomatic and AI hallucinations: How can thinking outside the box help solve global problems?
We examine the use of AI “hallucinations” in diplomacy, showing how AI analysis of UN speeches can reveal unique insights. It argues that the unexpected outputs of AI could lead… Read more.
shutterstock 1660018615 scaled 900x300 1
Diplomatic and AI hallucinations: How can thinking outside the box help solve global problems?
We examine the use of AI “hallucinations” in diplomacy, showing how AI analysis of UN speeches can reveal unique insights. It argues that the unexpected outputs of AI could lead… Read more.
 Light

We have come to the end of our summer journey of ‘Recycling ideas’. We gathered ideas, concepts, and traditions that can help us build a social contract for the AI era. Building on these rich traditions and beliefs across cultures and centuries,  we would be better equipped to address AI governance ahead of us. 

In September, AI governance debates will jump-start during the annual meeting of the UN General Assembly in New York, a closed-door US Senate Session, and new AI regulatory initiatives in capitals worldwide. 

We will enter an Axial age analogous to one that happened, according to German philosopher Karl Jasper, from 8 BC to 1 AD. He named this period ‘Axial Age’ as a time when “the spiritual cornerstones of humanity were established, both simultaneously and independently, through a plethora of religions and philosophical systems:

Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism in India; Taoism and Confucianism in China; Zoroastrianism in Persia; the teachings of Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle in Greece; Judaism and Christianity in the Middle East; and Ubuntu in Africa.

Collectively, these belief systems forged a societal ‘operating system’ that continues to run our society until our time.

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Now, as we stand at another pivotal moment, we must delve deep into this heritage to grapple with looming questions:

Will AI usurp human agency? Can humans retain the reins of our civilisation’s ‘mission control’? Will our age-old moral compass, which distinguishes right from wrong, endure in a digital age? And what must we do to ensure both technological and societal evolution?

Our quest for these answers might herald a new Axial Age that reshapes our understanding of human existence and the fabric of society.

Conversations in households, academic forums, religious assemblies, and political venues are shaping the foundations of the AI Axial Age. They touch upon our purpose, identity, and ethics.


Summer 2023

ESPRITECH de
EspriTech de Genève: Nexus between technology and humanity
We introduce “EspriTech de Genève,” highlighting the synergy between technology and humanity, inspired by Geneva’s unique blend of philosophical and technological heritage. This approach advocates for technology that respects human… Read more.
ESPRITECH de
EspriTech de Genève: Nexus between technology and humanity
We introduce “EspriTech de Genève,” highlighting the synergy between technology and humanity, inspired by Geneva’s unique blend of philosophical and technological heritage. This approach advocates for technology that respects human… Read more.
Ubuntu
Ubuntu Ethos: African Insights for Ethical AI 
As negotiations on AI governance unfold, Africa’s participation is pivotal. The continent could contribute its Ubuntu etho-philosophy to the global shaping of AI rules. Ubuntu, deeply ingrained in African culture,… Read more.
Ubuntu
Ubuntu Ethos: African Insights for Ethical AI 
As negotiations on AI governance unfold, Africa’s participation is pivotal. The continent could contribute its Ubuntu etho-philosophy to the global shaping of AI rules. Ubuntu, deeply ingrained in African culture,… Read more.
The Vienna
The Vienna Nexus: Five thinkers who coded the operating system of modernity
If you look for the source code of the operating system of modernity, you will end up in Vienna between the two world wars with five main thinkers: Ludwig Von… Read more.
The Vienna
The Vienna Nexus: Five thinkers who coded the operating system of modernity
If you look for the source code of the operating system of modernity, you will end up in Vienna between the two world wars with five main thinkers: Ludwig Von… Read more.
HOLBEINs
The Ambassadors Reimagined: How Holbein’s painting can inspire global AI negotiations?
The Ambassadors, Holbein’s painting from 1533, has a strong symbolic meaning relevant to the AI era. Like in 16th century, we face a similar flux between the major promises of… Read more.
HOLBEINs
The Ambassadors Reimagined: How Holbein’s painting can inspire global AI negotiations?
The Ambassadors, Holbein’s painting from 1533, has a strong symbolic meaning relevant to the AI era. Like in 16th century, we face a similar flux between the major promises of… Read more.
Renaissance and
Renaissance and Enlightenment: Canvas for AI Era
We examine the legacy of the Renaissance and Enlightenment for the AI era, focusing on their emphasis on humanity and rationality. We explore how their intellectual foundations can guide modern… Read more.
Renaissance and
Renaissance and Enlightenment: Canvas for AI Era
We examine the legacy of the Renaissance and Enlightenment for the AI era, focusing on their emphasis on humanity and rationality. We explore how their intellectual foundations can guide modern… Read more.
AXIAL AGE IN
Axial Age in China: Timeless reflections for AI era from Chinese philosophy  
We explore ancient Chinese philosophy from China’s Axial Age, drawing timeless wisdom for today’s AI era. Focusing on thinkers like Shang Yang, Confucius, and Lao Tze, we connect their insights… Read more.
AXIAL AGE IN
Axial Age in China: Timeless reflections for AI era from Chinese philosophy  
We explore ancient Chinese philosophy from China’s Axial Age, drawing timeless wisdom for today’s AI era. Focusing on thinkers like Shang Yang, Confucius, and Lao Tze, we connect their insights… Read more.
From the Parthenon to
From the Parthenon to Patterns: Ancient Greek philosophy for the AI Era
Exploring Ancient Greek philosophy’s role in today’s AI era, we spotlight insights from Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle on ethics and governance. Their wisdom aids in addressing AI’s ethical challenges, advocating… Read more.
From the Parthenon to
From the Parthenon to Patterns: Ancient Greek philosophy for the AI Era
Exploring Ancient Greek philosophy’s role in today’s AI era, we spotlight insights from Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle on ethics and governance. Their wisdom aids in addressing AI’s ethical challenges, advocating… Read more.
Journey of
Journey of Zero: How a simple number revolutionised the world from ancient India to our digital era
Discover the evolution of the number zero, tracing its origins from ancient India, its role in the Islamic Golden Age, to its significance in today’s digital world. Join us in… Read more.
Journey of
Journey of Zero: How a simple number revolutionised the world from ancient India to our digital era
Discover the evolution of the number zero, tracing its origins from ancient India, its role in the Islamic Golden Age, to its significance in today’s digital world. Join us in… Read more.
What can Socrates teach us about AI and
What can Socrates teach us about AI and prompting?
We explore Socrates’ approach to knowledge and its relevance to AI and prompting today. By examining Socratic inquiry, we uncover parallels with AI prompting techniques, offering insights into effective communication… Read more.
What can Socrates teach us about AI and
What can Socrates teach us about AI and prompting?
We explore Socrates’ approach to knowledge and its relevance to AI and prompting today. By examining Socratic inquiry, we uncover parallels with AI prompting techniques, offering insights into effective communication… Read more.
AIs Axial
On the threshold of the AI Axial Age
We’re at a turning point in history, facing an AI Era that echoes the transformative Axial Age. From ethics to identity, peace to prosperity, our choices today shape tomorrow’s world.… Read more.
AIs Axial
On the threshold of the AI Axial Age
We’re at a turning point in history, facing an AI Era that echoes the transformative Axial Age. From ethics to identity, peace to prosperity, our choices today shape tomorrow’s world.… Read more.

More readings
on AI, governance, and philosophy

UO6y93mx image 4
To foster human freedom and prosperity, AI must be developed bottom-up!
The bottom-up development of AI is critical for our freedom and prosperity since it offers a way for citizens and communities to regain digital control. Otherwise, the AI future will… Read more.
UO6y93mx image 4
To foster human freedom and prosperity, AI must be developed bottom-up!
The bottom-up development of AI is critical for our freedom and prosperity since it offers a way for citizens and communities to regain digital control. Otherwise, the AI future will… Read more.
shutterstock 1010158783 scaled
Why should we have the right to be imperfect?
We argue for the acceptance and value of human imperfections in a world increasingly driven by AI and technology, highlighting the importance of embracing flaws as part of the human… Read more.
shutterstock 1010158783 scaled
Why should we have the right to be imperfect?
We argue for the acceptance and value of human imperfections in a world increasingly driven by AI and technology, highlighting the importance of embracing flaws as part of the human… Read more.
duck rabit image
Exploring the power of AI: Diplomatic language as Turing Test
Can AI decipher the complex layers and multifaceted meanings inherent in diplomatic language? The answer is in the power of AI in dealing with ambiguities, analogies, ‘unsaid’, and other characteristics… Read more.
duck rabit image
Exploring the power of AI: Diplomatic language as Turing Test
Can AI decipher the complex layers and multifaceted meanings inherent in diplomatic language? The answer is in the power of AI in dealing with ambiguities, analogies, ‘unsaid’, and other characteristics… Read more.
XgPPnlRd sdgs
15 reasons to govern AI with 17 SDGs
We propose governing AI with the SDGs to ensure it advances global well-being. This alignment emphasizes ethical AI deployment, highlighting technology’s potential to solve critical issues without compromising future generations.… Read more.
XgPPnlRd sdgs
15 reasons to govern AI with 17 SDGs
We propose governing AI with the SDGs to ensure it advances global well-being. This alignment emphasizes ethical AI deployment, highlighting technology’s potential to solve critical issues without compromising future generations.… Read more.
flea market trader
Nine reasons to replace the Turing test with a ‘flea market test’ for AI
The Turing test is used to see if a machine (AI) can mimic humans. But as AI advances, the Turing test is not sufficient. We should use the flea market… Read more.
flea market trader
Nine reasons to replace the Turing test with a ‘flea market test’ for AI
The Turing test is used to see if a machine (AI) can mimic humans. But as AI advances, the Turing test is not sufficient. We should use the flea market… Read more.


humAInism

At Diplo we approach AI from a wide range of perspectives, including technological, governance, diplomatic, philosophical, artistic, and linguistical.

We combine them into a unique interplay for teaching, research, and AI development. Ultimately, they aim at anchoring AI into the core values of humanity (humAInism)

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