Leiden University Student Repository

Dixon, Elinor (2015)

Constructing the Identity of AI: A Discussion of the AI Debate and its Shaping by Science Fiction

Bachelor thesis | International Studies (BA)

This thesis discusses the way in which we construct the identity of artificial intelligence through science fiction film. It examines how sympathetic treatment of artificial intelligence in this genre may induce empathy in its audience, and how could this sway the artificial intelligence debate when it enters the political sphere. The paper first provides discussions of the artificial intelligence debate, the effect on viewer emotion films can have, and the extent to which humans can empathize with artificial intelligence. The paper then uses three science fiction films – Interstellar (2014), A.I. Artificial Intelligence (2001) and Her (2013) – to demonstrate the effects such films can have on viewer emotion and discuss the possible repercussions sympathetic treatment of AI could have on the human race. The essay warns against this attitude due to the significant dangers the unchecked development of AI could pose to the human race, and suggests precautionary steps to be taken in the...Show moreThis thesis discusses the way in which we construct the identity of artificial intelligence through science fiction film. It examines how sympathetic treatment of artificial intelligence in this genre may induce empathy in its audience, and how could this sway the artificial intelligence debate when it enters the political sphere. The paper first provides discussions of the artificial intelligence debate, the effect on viewer emotion films can have, and the extent to which humans can empathize with artificial intelligence. The paper then uses three science fiction films – Interstellar (2014), A.I. Artificial Intelligence (2001) and Her (2013) – to demonstrate the effects such films can have on viewer emotion and discuss the possible repercussions sympathetic treatment of AI could have on the human race. The essay warns against this attitude due to the significant dangers the unchecked development of AI could pose to the human race, and suggests precautionary steps to be taken in the field of education.Show less

artificial intelligence

empathy

science fiction

identity

uncanny valley

emotion

film

willing suspension of disbelief

Author

Dixon, Elinor

Faculty

Faculty of Humanities

Specialisation

South and Southeast Asia

Supervisors

Bertens, Laura M.F.

ECTS Credits

15

Language

en