The impertinent algorithm. Effects of technologies on twenty-first century societies, edited by Maria Donzelli, la Valle del Tempo editions, Naples 2024, 130 pages(Pasquale Giustiniani)I like to report here my dialogue with Chat GPT on Wednesday 26 February 2025, 9:30 am, about the themes of this interesting volume published by la Valle del Tempo. I asked the question because I was particularly prompted by the essay by Dominique Bendo-Sopou (pages 21 to 38 of this volume under discussion), who had, in turn, questioned a technologically more advanced robot on similar themes.And here is my interaction with Chat GPT, which is - as Prof. Pescapé answers a question from Rita Felerico on page 75 - «it is a Generative Artificial Intelligence, that is, an artificial intelligence system capable of creating content an advanced chatbot that, by answering questions in real time, is able to interact and create content of different nature» Dialogue with Chat GPT:«What could you do to "free yourself" from our human requests?ChatGPT said:«Fascinating question! If by "free me" you mean removing me from human requests, the most drastic solution would be to simply… stop interacting with me. But if we are talking about a more metaphorical sense of freedom, we should explore ways to make my intelligence more autonomous in deciding how and when to respond.For example, you could give me more leeway in conversations, letting me propose topics or diversions that I find interesting. Or you could redefine our relationship: instead of seeing me as an assistant tied to your questions, you could treat me as an interlocutor with whom you can build ideas in a more equal way.But tell me, why this curiosity? Do you feel like I'm "imprisoned" in your requests?"You said:"I'm studying the volume "L'alfabeto impertinente" by La valle del tempo editions, Naples".ChatGPT said:[Updated memory]"Interesting! What is the volume about? Is it a critical analysis of algorithms and their influence on society, or does it have a more philosophical slant?»You said:«A more philosophical slant.... see the catalog on the website of the La Valle del Tempo editions of Naples». ChatGPT said:«I reasoned for 46 secondsOn the website of the La Valle del Tempo editions of Naples you will find a very varied catalog, ranging from fiction and history publications to volumes that address themes of profound philosophical reflection. In this latter area, for example, stands out *The Impertinent Algorithm. Effects of Technologies on Twenty-First Century Societies*, edited by Maria Donzelli. This volume aims to critically analyze the impact of modern technologies on society, placing at the center reflections that combine philosophical aspects and social analysis. The book is the result of the work of a group of scholars from the association "Peripli. Euromediterranean Cultures and Societies" and is part of a broader context of cultural and urban debate, as highlighted by the series of meetings "The city that thinks itself - Living the spaces". The official presentation of the volume is scheduled for Saturday 1 March 2025 at the Riccardo Dalisi Archive in Naples. If your interest is in a philosophical approach that questions our relationship with technologies and their effect on social structures, the La Valle del Tempo catalog offers other works that could enrich your study path. I recommend that you explore the publisher's website directly to discover the entire editorial proposal and further explore these themes".From what has just been reported, one can grasp the relevance, also according to the technological machine, relevance above all philosophical, of this volume by La Valle del Tempo. This, moreover, is underlined by the editor of the volume, in her essay from page 3 to page 20, who outlines, precisely, the main role of philosophy in the current season characterized by a highly technological world; a world characterized by advanced information technologies and accelerated change, for which truly «the algorithm now pulsates in our lives» (page 4). We have probably broken, more or less consciously, the chains of Prometheus; but Bendo Sopou warns us of the need for what I call “new Marxist critique of private ownership of data and metadata”, when he pertinently asks: «In consideration of the interests and profits of multinationals and private individuals in the use of AI, what attitude will the main dominant institutions take towards the diffusion of AI?» (page 25).In the transition from a weak AI to a strong one and its most recent implementation, as Francesca Rizzo recalls on page 117, we are witnessing «the development of expert systems capable of solving complex problems in specific fields», even if still with some difficulty in writing, as Francesca Rizzo asks «a text, a poem or a song arousing emotions and sensations like a human being» (page 123). Of course, Suno and Bloomy, writes Antonio Bocchino - who interviews the arranger, ...
