Political AI and the General Will of Rousseau

Authors

Keywords:

General Will, generative AI, political AI, legislation, public policy

Abstract

https://doi.org/10.21860/j.15.2.13

In this paper, I aim to compare Rousseau’s concept of the General Will with generative AI based on artificial neural network deep learning algorithms from the perspective of a rule-based ethical framework. To this end, I focus on Rousseau’s issue of the “formation, concentration, and fulfillment of the General Will” to explore the implications of AI use for democracy, particularly in the contexts of democratic decision-making and public policy formulation. As an alternative for realizing the General Will in lawmaking and public policy development, AI can be considered for gathering public opinion and facilitating decision-making processes. AI-driven opinion-gathering and decision-making can overcome the practical challenges of forming the General Will in democratic systems, including conflicts between majority and minority groups. Furthermore, unlike humans influenced by partisan loyalty or political interests, AI can identify the best policies for everyone in an unbiased manner, fostering broad agreement. Additionally, I critically examine potential issues arising from the politicization of AI, despite its advantages in addressing the weaknesses of democratic systems.

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Published

2025-02-27

Issue

Vol. 15 No. 2 (2024): Jahr – European Journal of Bioethics

Section

Artificial inteligence Humanities (AIH special section)

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