Leiden University Student Repository

Lampe, Enne (2019)

The Artificial Subject: Investigating the notion of subjecthood, a narratological and psychoanalytical analysis regarding the subjecthood of Artificial Intelligence

Master thesis | Media Studies (MA)

Abstract: This thesis deals with the question of human subjecthood. What makes us Subjects? The innovations in computer science and artificial intelligence prompt a follow up question: When and how can an artificial intelligence or artificial life form be considered a Subject? In a comparison between man and machine this essay investigates different notions of Subjecthood. Introducing a narratological concept of subjecthood based on Bal’s narratology leads to the conclusion that the subject object division isn’t a binary opposition. Analysing Heidegger’s theory of agency as well as Freud and Lacan their narratives of development in psychoanalytical theory illustrate the importance of a split within the Subject, a split between what it needs and what it learns. The space between internal and external forces in an agent allow a Subject to come into being pointing out how the individual needs society in order to exist.

Artificial

Intelligence

Narratology

Psychoanalysis

Agency

Human

Author

Lampe, Enne

Note

Addresses a topic that will be prominent in our future society if it isn't already. The problem of subjecthood regarding artificial intelligence is interesting in many fields of study. It is an important topic in politics, philosophy and literature. This work provides an example of how one might address the problem of subjecthood.

Faculty

Faculty of Humanities

Specialisation

Media Studies: Cultural Analysis & Literary Theory

Supervisors

Alphen, Ernst van

ECTS Credits

20

Language

en