This book discusses the problem of freedom and the limits of liberalism considering the challenges of governing climate change and artificial intelligence (AI). It mobilizes resources from political philosophy to make an original argument about the future of technology and the environment.

Can artificial intelligence save the planet? And does that mean we will have to give up our political freedom? Stretching the meaning of freedom but steering away from authoritarian options, this book proposes that, next to using other principles such as justice and equality and taking collective action and cooperating at a global level, we adopt a positive and relational conception of freedom that creates better conditions for human and non-human flourishing. In contrast to easy libertarianism and arrogant techno-solutionism, this offers a less symptomatic treatment of the global crises we face and gives technologies such as AI a role in the gathering of a new, more inclusive political collective and the ongoing participative making of new common worlds.

Written in a clear and accessible style, Green Leviathan or the Poetics of Political Liberty will appeal to researchers and students working in political philosophy, environmental philosophy, and the philosophy of technology.

About the Author

Mark Coeckelbergh is Professor of Philosophy of Media and Technology at the Philosophy Department of the University of Vienna and former President of the Society for Philosophy & Technology. He has authored 14 books and numerous articles and is a member of advisory bodies such as the European Commission's High-Level Expert Group on AI.

Reviews

"This book offers a unique and thorough examination of how AI can be used effectively to deal with the climate crisis while also preserving political freedom, doing so through a debate with the liberal tradition of political philosophy. It is required reading for anyone interested in both the political potentials and risks of AI in the emerging age of the Anthropocene."

Pieter Lemmens, Radboud University Nijmegen, The Netherlands

"As a work of applied political philosophy, this is undoubtedly a rich, important and satisfying volume that covers a great deal of ground in an engaging and highly intelligent way."

Piers H.G. Stephens, Environmental Values

Book Information
ISBN 9780367747794
Author Mark Coeckelbergh
Format Paperback
Page Count 140
Imprint Routledge
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
Weight(grams) 453g