The Psychoanalysis of Artificial Intelligence

by Isabel Millar

This book examines the crucial role of psychoanalysis in understanding what AI means for us as speaking, sexed subjects. Drawing on Lacanian theory and recent clinical developments it explores what philosophy and critical theory of AI has hitherto enjoyment. Through the reconceptualization of Intelligence, the Artificial Object and the Sexual Abyss the book outlines the Sexbot as a figure who exists on the boundary of psychoanalysis and AI. Through this figure and the medium of film, the author subverts Kant’s three Enlightenment questions and guides readers to transition from asking 'Does it think?' to 'Can it enjoy?' The book will appeal in particular to students and scholars of psychoanalysis, philosophy, film and media studies, critical theory, feminist theory and AI research. 

Genres: Psychoanalysis, Psychology, Philosophy, Theory, Artificial Intelligence

238 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 13, 2021

Reviews

[viktoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Millar's work approaches the questions we need to ask with the rise of AI from a philosophical angle and most importantly, from a psychoanalytic angle. With this, she not only takes philosophical thought to an (relatively still) unknown terrain and applies it brilliantly, while enriching philosophy with excellent questions and moments of critical thought that shine through in each chapter; she also offers a sophisticated philosophical account for those working with AI, if they are open to widen their perspective.

The book covers a lot of references and through the examples of films - which is a great choice in this topic -, it illustrates theory in a captivating way. For cinephiles and lovers of psychoanalysis, this book will certainly bring a lot of enjoyment. And for lovers of theory - this book is nothing but a treat.

The methodology, the clarity and the elegance of the writing makes this highly elevated and theoretical book a very rewarding read and in my opinion, for the originality of critical thought it serves as an inspiration for researchers beyond psychoanalysis and AI, too.

(As usually, I just shared my feelings and opinion instead of points/summary of the 'content' to possibly help other readers; the table of contents of the book will certainly provide more guidance about the exact topics covered in the book.)

[Owlseyes]

"The wager of this book is that paradoxically in order to understand the stakes of Artificial Intelligence it is not to post-humanism or transhumanism that we should turn but rather to the sub-versive spirit and (anti-humanism) of Lacanian psychoanalysis, taking the ‘demand’ of AI as our
object a."
Pag 7 of the book

[Kevin K · Rating 1 out of 5]

Got halfway through. Unbelievably awful. One of the most asinine books I’ve read. Zero info on AI or psychoanalysis. Big steaming pile of Lacanian gibberish if that’s your thing

[Vince · Rating 4 out of 5]

Are we creating AI to do our math, drive our cars, and replace human labor, or are we creating AI as the ultimate cure for human loneliness via non-human companionship? Those are some of the larger questions author Isabel Millar explores in this book, using Kantian philosophy and Lacanian psychoanalysis to understand why humans are obsessed with inventing AI in the first place.

I won’t spoil the conclusions she draws, but I will say this is a highly interesting read. While some of her baseline observations might feel a bit obvious to anyone keeping up with the news (e.g., people falling in love with ChatGPT), Millar’s true value lies in her framework. The book provides serious academic weight and a rigorous vocabulary to the intuitive discomfort we all feel when we watch someone fall in love with a chatbot.

As a final thought, this book is niche; recommended for readers interested in the intersection of psychoanalysis, philosophy, and AI.