Publications
2022 |
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 | Van den Hoven Jeroen; Dennis, Matthew; Ishmaev Georgy; Umbrello Steven (Ed.) Values for a Post-Pandemic Future: Ethics, Technology, and the ‘New Normal’ Book Forthcoming Springer, Forthcoming. @book{denHoven2022, title = {Values for a Post-Pandemic Future: Ethics, Technology, and the ‘New Normal’}, editor = {Van den Hoven, Jeroen; Dennis, Matthew; Ishmaev, Georgy; Umbrello, Steven }, year = {2022}, date = {2022-01-01}, publisher = {Springer}, series = {Philosophy of Engineering and Technology}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {forthcoming}, tppubtype = {book} } |
2021 |
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 | Umbrello, Steven Towards a Value Sensitive Design Framework for Attaining Meaningful Human Control over Autonomous Weapons Systems PhD Thesis Forthcoming Forthcoming, ISBN: 979-12-200-7923-5. @phdthesis{Umbrello2021f, title = {Towards a Value Sensitive Design Framework for Attaining Meaningful Human Control over Autonomous Weapons Systems}, author = {Steven Umbrello}, url = {https://www.researchgate.net/publication/347678398_Towards_a_Value_Sensitive_Design_Framework_for_Attaining_Meaningful_Human_Control_over_Autonomous_Weapons_Systems}, isbn = {979-12-200-7923-5}, year = {2021}, date = {2021-11-01}, publisher = {Consorzio FINO}, institution = {Università degli Studi di Torino}, abstract = {The international debate on the ethics and legality of autonomous weapon systems (AWS) as well as the call for a ban are primarily focused on the nebulous concept of fully autonomous AWS. More specifically, on AWS that are capable of target selection and engagement without human supervision or control. This thesis argues that such a conception of autonomy is divorced both from military planning and decision-making operations as well as the design requirements that govern AWS engineering and subsequently the tracking and tracing of moral responsibility. To do this, this thesis marries two different levels of meaningful human control (MHC), termed levels of abstraction, to couple military operations with design ethics. In doing so, this thesis argues that the contentious notion of ‘full’ autonomy is not problematic under this two-tiered understanding of MHC. It proceeds to propose the value sensitive design (VSD) approach as a means for designing for MHC.}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {forthcoming}, tppubtype = {phdthesis} } The international debate on the ethics and legality of autonomous weapon systems (AWS) as well as the call for a ban are primarily focused on the nebulous concept of fully autonomous AWS. More specifically, on AWS that are capable of target selection and engagement without human supervision or control. This thesis argues that such a conception of autonomy is divorced both from military planning and decision-making operations as well as the design requirements that govern AWS engineering and subsequently the tracking and tracing of moral responsibility. To do this, this thesis marries two different levels of meaningful human control (MHC), termed levels of abstraction, to couple military operations with design ethics. In doing so, this thesis argues that the contentious notion of ‘full’ autonomy is not problematic under this two-tiered understanding of MHC. It proceeds to propose the value sensitive design (VSD) approach as a means for designing for MHC. |
 | Umbrello, Steven Shikake: The Japanese Art of Shaping Behavior Through Design Journal Article Forthcoming International Journal of Art, Culture and Design Technologies (IJACDT), Forthcoming. @article{Umbrello2021j, title = {Shikake: The Japanese Art of Shaping Behavior Through Design}, author = {Steven Umbrello}, year = {2021}, date = {2021-07-01}, journal = {International Journal of Art, Culture and Design Technologies (IJACDT)}, abstract = {A new book by Naohiro Matsumura is reviewed. Shikake are described as designs that ‘open up’ new options to people and that positively allow them to freely choose those options. By providing numerous examples and illustrations, Matsumura explores the motivations, philosophy and implementations of Shikake in the real world. Aimed at the general reader, this book is approachable to numerous individuals, ranging from the general interest reader who wishes to understand nudging from a traditional ranging from the history of Japanese design, as well as the specialist designer who wishes to employ nudging techniques in a positive and fair manner.}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {forthcoming}, tppubtype = {article} } A new book by Naohiro Matsumura is reviewed. Shikake are described as designs that ‘open up’ new options to people and that positively allow them to freely choose those options. By providing numerous examples and illustrations, Matsumura explores the motivations, philosophy and implementations of Shikake in the real world. Aimed at the general reader, this book is approachable to numerous individuals, ranging from the general interest reader who wishes to understand nudging from a traditional ranging from the history of Japanese design, as well as the specialist designer who wishes to employ nudging techniques in a positive and fair manner. |
 | Umbrello, Steven AI Winter Incollection Frana, Philip L; Klein, Michael J (Ed.): Encyclopedia of Artificial Intelligence: The Past, Present, and Future of AI, ABC-CLIO, 2021, ISBN: 9781440853265. @incollection{Umbrello2021, title = {AI Winter}, author = {Steven Umbrello}, editor = {Philip L. Frana and Michael J. Klein}, url = {https://products.abc-clio.com/ABC-CLIOCorporate/product.aspx?pc=A5303C}, isbn = {9781440853265}, year = {2021}, date = {2021-04-30}, booktitle = {Encyclopedia of Artificial Intelligence: The Past, Present, and Future of AI}, publisher = {ABC-CLIO}, abstract = {Coined in 1984 at the American Association of Artificial intelligence (now the Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence or AAAI), the various boom and bust periods of AI research and funding lead AI researchers Marvin Minsky and Roger Schank to refer to the then-impending bust period as an AI Winter. Canadian AI researcher Daniel Crevier describes the phenomenon as a domino effect that begins with cynicism in the AI research community that then trickles to mass media and finally to funding bodies. The result is a freeze in serious AI research and development. This initial pessimism is mainly attributed to the overly ambitious promises that AI can yield with the actual results being far humbler than expectations.}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {incollection} } Coined in 1984 at the American Association of Artificial intelligence (now the Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence or AAAI), the various boom and bust periods of AI research and funding lead AI researchers Marvin Minsky and Roger Schank to refer to the then-impending bust period as an AI Winter. Canadian AI researcher Daniel Crevier describes the phenomenon as a domino effect that begins with cynicism in the AI research community that then trickles to mass media and finally to funding bodies. The result is a freeze in serious AI research and development. This initial pessimism is mainly attributed to the overly ambitious promises that AI can yield with the actual results being far humbler than expectations. |
 | Umbrello, Steven Designing AI for Explainability and Verifiability: A Value Sensitive Design Approach to Avoid Artificial Stupidity in Autonomous Vehicles Journal Article Forthcoming International Journal of Social Robotics, pp. 1-15, Forthcoming. @article{Umbrello2021m, title = {Designing AI for Explainability and Verifiability: A Value Sensitive Design Approach to Avoid Artificial Stupidity in Autonomous Vehicles}, author = {Steven Umbrello}, year = {2021}, date = {2021-04-30}, journal = {International Journal of Social Robotics}, pages = {1-15}, abstract = {One of the primary, if not most critical, difficulties in the design and implementation of autonomous systems is the black-boxed nature of the decision-making structures and logical pathways of autonomous systems. For this reason, the values of stakeholders become of particular significance given the risks posed by opaque structures of intelligent agents (IAs). This paper proposes the Value Sensitive Design (VSD) approach as a principled framework for incorporating these values in design. The example of autonomous vehicles is used as a case study for how VSD offers a systematic way for engineering teams to formally incorporate existing technical solutions towards ethical design, while simultaneously remaining pliable to emerging issues and needs. It is concluded that the VSD methodology offers at least a strong enough foundation from which designers can begin to anticipate design needs and formulate salient design flows that can be adapted to changing ethical landscapes.}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {forthcoming}, tppubtype = {article} } One of the primary, if not most critical, difficulties in the design and implementation of autonomous systems is the black-boxed nature of the decision-making structures and logical pathways of autonomous systems. For this reason, the values of stakeholders become of particular significance given the risks posed by opaque structures of intelligent agents (IAs). This paper proposes the Value Sensitive Design (VSD) approach as a principled framework for incorporating these values in design. The example of autonomous vehicles is used as a case study for how VSD offers a systematic way for engineering teams to formally incorporate existing technical solutions towards ethical design, while simultaneously remaining pliable to emerging issues and needs. It is concluded that the VSD methodology offers at least a strong enough foundation from which designers can begin to anticipate design needs and formulate salient design flows that can be adapted to changing ethical landscapes. |
 | Umbrello, Steven Leadership Strategy and Tactics: Field Manual Journal Article Forthcoming Journal of Military Ethics, Forthcoming. @article{Umbrello2021n, title = {Leadership Strategy and Tactics: Field Manual}, author = {Steven Umbrello}, url = {https://doi.org/10.1080/15027570.2021.1920686}, doi = {10.1080/15027570.2021.1920686}, year = {2021}, date = {2021-04-30}, journal = {Journal of Military Ethics}, abstract = {A new book by Jocko Willink, "Leadership Strategy and Tactics: Field Manual", is reviewed. Leadership Strategy and Tactics explore the nature of leadership styles and strategies in both narrative forms as the author discusses past experiences in the military, as well as in real-world applications beyond the military domain. The author provides timely, yet timeless advice for aspiring leaders in an easily digestible form, with quick reference chapters and simple tactical points.}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {forthcoming}, tppubtype = {article} } A new book by Jocko Willink, "Leadership Strategy and Tactics: Field Manual", is reviewed. Leadership Strategy and Tactics explore the nature of leadership styles and strategies in both narrative forms as the author discusses past experiences in the military, as well as in real-world applications beyond the military domain. The author provides timely, yet timeless advice for aspiring leaders in an easily digestible form, with quick reference chapters and simple tactical points. |
 | Umbrello, Steven The Ecological Turn in Design: Adopting a Posthumanist Ethics to Inform Value Sensitive Design Journal Article Philosophies, 6 (2), pp. 29, 2021. @article{Umbrello2021k, title = {The Ecological Turn in Design: Adopting a Posthumanist Ethics to Inform Value Sensitive Design}, author = {Steven Umbrello}, url = {https://www.mdpi.com/2409-9287/6/2/29}, doi = {10.3390/philosophies6020029}, year = {2021}, date = {2021-04-02}, journal = {Philosophies}, volume = {6}, number = {2}, pages = {29}, abstract = {Design for Values (DfV) philosophies are a series of design approaches that aim to incorporate human values into the early phases of technological design to direct innovation into beneficial outcomes. The difficulty and necessity of directing advantageous futures for transformative technologies through the application and adoption of value-based design approaches are apparent. However, questions of whose values to design are of critical importance. DfV philosophies typically aim to enrol the stakeholders who may be affected by the emergence of such a technology. However, regardless of which design approach is adopted, all enrolled stakeholders are human ones who propose human values. Contemporary scholarship on metahumanisms, particularly those on posthumanism, have decentred the human from its traditionally privileged position among other forms of life. Arguments that the humanist position is not (and has never been) tenable are persuasive. As such, scholarship has begun to provide a more encompassing ontology for the investigation of nonhuman values. Given the potentially transformative nature of future technologies as relates to the earth and its many assemblages, it is clear that the value investigations of these design approaches fail to account for all relevant stakeholders (i.e., nonhuman animals). This paper has two primary objectives: (1) to argue for the cogency of a posthuman ethics in the design of technologies; and (2) to describe how existing DfV approaches can begin to envision principled and methodological ways of incorporating non-human values into design. To do this, the paper provides a rudimentary outline of what constitutes DfV approaches. It then takes up a unique design approach called Value Sensitive Design (VSD) as an illustrative example. Out of all the other DfV frameworks, VSD most clearly illustrates a principled approach to the integration of values in design.}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } Design for Values (DfV) philosophies are a series of design approaches that aim to incorporate human values into the early phases of technological design to direct innovation into beneficial outcomes. The difficulty and necessity of directing advantageous futures for transformative technologies through the application and adoption of value-based design approaches are apparent. However, questions of whose values to design are of critical importance. DfV philosophies typically aim to enrol the stakeholders who may be affected by the emergence of such a technology. However, regardless of which design approach is adopted, all enrolled stakeholders are human ones who propose human values. Contemporary scholarship on metahumanisms, particularly those on posthumanism, have decentred the human from its traditionally privileged position among other forms of life. Arguments that the humanist position is not (and has never been) tenable are persuasive. As such, scholarship has begun to provide a more encompassing ontology for the investigation of nonhuman values. Given the potentially transformative nature of future technologies as relates to the earth and its many assemblages, it is clear that the value investigations of these design approaches fail to account for all relevant stakeholders (i.e., nonhuman animals). This paper has two primary objectives: (1) to argue for the cogency of a posthuman ethics in the design of technologies; and (2) to describe how existing DfV approaches can begin to envision principled and methodological ways of incorporating non-human values into design. To do this, the paper provides a rudimentary outline of what constitutes DfV approaches. It then takes up a unique design approach called Value Sensitive Design (VSD) as an illustrative example. Out of all the other DfV frameworks, VSD most clearly illustrates a principled approach to the integration of values in design. |
 | Umbrello, Steven Coupling Levels of Abstraction in Understanding Meaningful Human Control of Autonomous Weapons: A Two-Tiered Approach Journal Article Ethics and Information Technology, 2021. @article{Umbrello2021i, title = {Coupling Levels of Abstraction in Understanding Meaningful Human Control of Autonomous Weapons: A Two-Tiered Approach}, author = {Steven Umbrello}, url = {https://doi.org/10.1007/s10676-021-09588-w }, doi = {10.1007/s10676-021-09588-w}, year = {2021}, date = {2021-04-01}, journal = {Ethics and Information Technology}, abstract = {The international debate on the ethics and legality of autonomous weapon systems (AWS), along with the call for a ban, primarily focus on the nebulous concept of fully autonomous AWS. These are AWS capable of target selection and engagement absent human supervision or control. This paper argues that such a conception of autonomy is divorced from both military planning and decision-making operations; it also ignores the design requirements that govern AWS engineering and the subsequent tracking and tracing of moral responsibility. To show how military operations can be coupled with design ethics, this paper marries two different kinds of meaningful human control (MHC) termed levels of abstraction. Under this two-tiered understanding of MHC, the contentious notion of ‘full’ autonomy becomes unproblematic. }, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } The international debate on the ethics and legality of autonomous weapon systems (AWS), along with the call for a ban, primarily focus on the nebulous concept of fully autonomous AWS. These are AWS capable of target selection and engagement absent human supervision or control. This paper argues that such a conception of autonomy is divorced from both military planning and decision-making operations; it also ignores the design requirements that govern AWS engineering and the subsequent tracking and tracing of moral responsibility. To show how military operations can be coupled with design ethics, this paper marries two different kinds of meaningful human control (MHC) termed levels of abstraction. Under this two-tiered understanding of MHC, the contentious notion of ‘full’ autonomy becomes unproblematic. |
 | Umbrello, Steven; Wood, Nathan Gabriel Autonomous Weapons Systems and the Contextual Nature of Hors de Combat Status Journal Article Forthcoming Information, Forthcoming. @article{Umbrello2021l, title = {Autonomous Weapons Systems and the Contextual Nature of Hors de Combat Status}, author = {Steven Umbrello and Nathan Gabriel Wood}, year = {2021}, date = {2021-04-01}, journal = {Information}, abstract = {Autonomous weapons systems (AWS), sometimes referred to as “killer robots”, are receiving in-creasing attention in public discourse and scholarship. Much of this interest is connected with policy makers and the emerging ethical and legal problems linked to the full autonomy of weap-ons systems, however there is a general lack of recognition for the ways in which existing law might impact on these new technologies. In this paper, we argue that as AWS become more so-phisticated and more capable than ground troops, soldiers will be at the mercy of enemy AWS and unable to defend themselves. We argue that these soldiers ought to be considered hors de combat, and not targeted. We contend that hors de combat status must be viewed contextually, with close reference to the capabilities of combatants on both sides of any engagement. Given this point, and the fact that AWS may come in many shapes and sizes, and can be made for many different missions, each individual AWS will need its own standard for when enemy soldiers are deemed hors de combat. The difficulties of achieving this with the limits of modern technology should also be acknowledged. We conclude by examining how these nuanced views of hors de combat status might impact on the “meaningful human control” of AWS.}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {forthcoming}, tppubtype = {article} } Autonomous weapons systems (AWS), sometimes referred to as “killer robots”, are receiving in-creasing attention in public discourse and scholarship. Much of this interest is connected with policy makers and the emerging ethical and legal problems linked to the full autonomy of weap-ons systems, however there is a general lack of recognition for the ways in which existing law might impact on these new technologies. In this paper, we argue that as AWS become more so-phisticated and more capable than ground troops, soldiers will be at the mercy of enemy AWS and unable to defend themselves. We argue that these soldiers ought to be considered hors de combat, and not targeted. We contend that hors de combat status must be viewed contextually, with close reference to the capabilities of combatants on both sides of any engagement. Given this point, and the fact that AWS may come in many shapes and sizes, and can be made for many different missions, each individual AWS will need its own standard for when enemy soldiers are deemed hors de combat. The difficulties of achieving this with the limits of modern technology should also be acknowledged. We conclude by examining how these nuanced views of hors de combat status might impact on the “meaningful human control” of AWS. |
 | Umbrello, Steven Can humans dream of electric sheep? Journal Article Metascience, 30 (2), pp. 1-3, 2021. @article{Umbrello2021h, title = {Can humans dream of electric sheep?}, author = {Steven Umbrello}, url = {https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11016-021-00629-0}, doi = {10.1007/s11016-021-00629-0}, year = {2021}, date = {2021-02-26}, journal = {Metascience}, volume = {30}, number = {2}, pages = {1-3}, abstract = {As an idea, transhumanism has received increasing attention in recent years and across numerous domains. Despite presidential candidates such as Zoltan Istvan, who ran on an explicitly Transhumanist platform in 2016 but later dropped out to endorse Hillary Clinton, transhumanism has taken root more recently in the conspiratorial imaginations of the dark web. Given the philosophy’s central emphasis on technology as an inherent good, imaginations in supposed alt-right internet circles have criticised it as an ideological gateway to global, fully automated Communism. This is not to say that such discussions on transhumanism are exclusively siloed and on the margins of society. Related discussions are happening at various well-known institutions and research centres such as the Institute for Ethics and Emerging Technologies, a non-profit think tank dedicated to techno-progressivism where I have been managing director for half a decade. What I mean to say here is that transhumanism is not monolithic. It is best described as multi-faceted and existing in different instantiations across multiple domains. James Michael MacFarlane’s recent book, Transhumanism as a New Social Movement: The Techno-Centred Imagination, is an attempt to trace the history, meaning, and practices that characterise this variegated term.}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } As an idea, transhumanism has received increasing attention in recent years and across numerous domains. Despite presidential candidates such as Zoltan Istvan, who ran on an explicitly Transhumanist platform in 2016 but later dropped out to endorse Hillary Clinton, transhumanism has taken root more recently in the conspiratorial imaginations of the dark web. Given the philosophy’s central emphasis on technology as an inherent good, imaginations in supposed alt-right internet circles have criticised it as an ideological gateway to global, fully automated Communism. This is not to say that such discussions on transhumanism are exclusively siloed and on the margins of society. Related discussions are happening at various well-known institutions and research centres such as the Institute for Ethics and Emerging Technologies, a non-profit think tank dedicated to techno-progressivism where I have been managing director for half a decade. What I mean to say here is that transhumanism is not monolithic. It is best described as multi-faceted and existing in different instantiations across multiple domains. James Michael MacFarlane’s recent book, Transhumanism as a New Social Movement: The Techno-Centred Imagination, is an attempt to trace the history, meaning, and practices that characterise this variegated term. |
 | Umbrello, Steven Should We Reset? A Review of Klaus Schwab and Thierry Malleret’s ‘COVID-19: The Great Reset’ Journal Article Journal of Value Inquiry, pp. 1-8, 2021. @article{Umbrello2021g, title = {Should We Reset? A Review of Klaus Schwab and Thierry Malleret’s ‘COVID-19: The Great Reset’}, author = {Steven Umbrello}, url = {https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10790-021-09794-1}, doi = {10.1007/s10790-021-09794-1}, year = {2021}, date = {2021-02-17}, journal = {Journal of Value Inquiry}, pages = {1-8}, abstract = {More than simply the title of the book, The Great Reset is a theoretical construct appropriated by various communities. While popular primarily within the intellectual dark web and conspiracy circles, the term has been given more recent attention from academic scholarship taking such an approach to seriously revisioning political economy (Shannon Vattikuti in “The Great Green Reset of Global Economies: A Golden Opportunity for Environmental Change and Social Rehabilitation.” Earth and Space Science Open Archive ESSOAr [2020]). The present volume is coauthored by Klaus Schwab, founder and Executive Chairman of the World Economic Forum (WEF), and Thierry Malleret. The former is the author of similar works on which this volume expands (most famously the 2017 book The Fourth Industrial Revolution), while the latter is the managing partner of the Monthly Barometer.}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } More than simply the title of the book, The Great Reset is a theoretical construct appropriated by various communities. While popular primarily within the intellectual dark web and conspiracy circles, the term has been given more recent attention from academic scholarship taking such an approach to seriously revisioning political economy (Shannon Vattikuti in “The Great Green Reset of Global Economies: A Golden Opportunity for Environmental Change and Social Rehabilitation.” Earth and Space Science Open Archive ESSOAr [2020]). The present volume is coauthored by Klaus Schwab, founder and Executive Chairman of the World Economic Forum (WEF), and Thierry Malleret. The former is the author of similar works on which this volume expands (most famously the 2017 book The Fourth Industrial Revolution), while the latter is the managing partner of the Monthly Barometer. |
 | Umbrello Steven; van de Poel, Ibo Mapping value sensitive design onto AI for social good principles Journal Article AI and Ethics, pp. 1-14, 2021. @article{Umbrello2021e, title = {Mapping value sensitive design onto AI for social good principles}, author = {Umbrello, Steven; van de Poel, Ibo}, url = {https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s43681-021-00038-3}, doi = {10.1007/s43681-021-00038-3}, year = {2021}, date = {2021-02-01}, journal = {AI and Ethics}, pages = {1-14}, abstract = {Value sensitive design (VSD) is an established method for integrating values into technical design. It has been applied to different technologies and, more recently, to artificial intelligence (AI). We argue that AI poses a number of challenges specific to VSD that require a somewhat modified VSD approach. Machine learning (ML), in particular, poses two challenges. First, humans may not understand how an AI system learns certain things. This requires paying attention to values such as transparency, explicability, and accountability. Second, ML may lead to AI systems adapting in ways that ‘disembody’ the values embedded in them. To address this, we propose a threefold modified VSD approach: (1) integrating a known set of VSD principles (AI4SG) as design norms from which more specific design requirements can be derived; (2) distinguishing between values that are promoted and respected by the design to ensure outcomes that not only do no harm but also contribute to good, and (3) extending the VSD process to encompass the whole life cycle of an AI technology to monitor unintended value consequences and redesign as needed. We illustrate our VSD for AI approach with an example use case of a SARS-CoV-2 contact tracing app.}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } Value sensitive design (VSD) is an established method for integrating values into technical design. It has been applied to different technologies and, more recently, to artificial intelligence (AI). We argue that AI poses a number of challenges specific to VSD that require a somewhat modified VSD approach. Machine learning (ML), in particular, poses two challenges. First, humans may not understand how an AI system learns certain things. This requires paying attention to values such as transparency, explicability, and accountability. Second, ML may lead to AI systems adapting in ways that ‘disembody’ the values embedded in them. To address this, we propose a threefold modified VSD approach: (1) integrating a known set of VSD principles (AI4SG) as design norms from which more specific design requirements can be derived; (2) distinguishing between values that are promoted and respected by the design to ensure outcomes that not only do no harm but also contribute to good, and (3) extending the VSD process to encompass the whole life cycle of an AI technology to monitor unintended value consequences and redesign as needed. We illustrate our VSD for AI approach with an example use case of a SARS-CoV-2 contact tracing app. |
 | Umbrello, Steven Reckoning with assessment: can we responsibly innovate? Journal Article Metascience, pp. 1-3, 2021. @article{Umbrello2021d, title = {Reckoning with assessment: can we responsibly innovate?}, author = {Steven Umbrello}, url = {https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11016-021-00605-8}, doi = {10.1007/s11016-021-00605-8}, year = {2021}, date = {2021-01-15}, journal = {Metascience}, pages = {1-3}, abstract = {Assessment of Responsible Innovation argues, contrary to common imagination, that the profit motive underpinning private sector decision-making about innovation neither excludes—nor is even necessarily in tension with—responsible innovation. Responsible innovation is not a clear-cut thing, principle, or clearly formulated grouping of practices. Rather, it consists in a plurality of engagements, strategies, and interactions oriented around the general goal of technological development towards socially desirable ends. The assessment of responsible innovation faces a lacuna partly due to this plurality, and partly because responsible research and innovation (RRI) has primarily been the domain of research institutions, higher education, and public sector entities—those who are not responsible for the majority of innovations. There is thus a gap between past RRI research and the actual nexus of innovation programmes.}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } Assessment of Responsible Innovation argues, contrary to common imagination, that the profit motive underpinning private sector decision-making about innovation neither excludes—nor is even necessarily in tension with—responsible innovation. Responsible innovation is not a clear-cut thing, principle, or clearly formulated grouping of practices. Rather, it consists in a plurality of engagements, strategies, and interactions oriented around the general goal of technological development towards socially desirable ends. The assessment of responsible innovation faces a lacuna partly due to this plurality, and partly because responsible research and innovation (RRI) has primarily been the domain of research institutions, higher education, and public sector entities—those who are not responsible for the majority of innovations. There is thus a gap between past RRI research and the actual nexus of innovation programmes. |
Doorn, Neelke; Michelfelder, Diane; Barrella, Elise; Bristol, Terry; Dechesne, Francien; Fritzsche, Albrecht; Johnson, Gearold; Poznic, Michael; Robison, Wade; Sain, Barbara; Stone, Taylor; Rodriguez-Nikl, Tonatiuh; Umbrello, Steven; Vermaas, Pieter E; Wilson, Richard L Reimagining the future of engineering Incollection Doorn, Neelke; Michelfelder, Diane P (Ed.): Routledge Handbook of Philosophy of Engineering, Taylor & Francis, 2021, ISBN: 9781138244955. @incollection{Doorn2021, title = {Reimagining the future of engineering}, author = {Neelke Doorn and Diane Michelfelder and Elise Barrella and Terry Bristol and Francien Dechesne and Albrecht Fritzsche and Gearold Johnson and Michael Poznic and Wade Robison and Barbara Sain and Taylor Stone and Tonatiuh Rodriguez-Nikl and Steven Umbrello and Pieter E Vermaas and Richard L Wilson}, editor = {Neelke Doorn and Diane P Michelfelder}, url = {https://www.routledge.com/The-Routledge-Handbook-of-the-Philosophy-of-Engineering/Michelfelder-Doorn/p/book/9781138244955}, isbn = {9781138244955}, year = {2021}, date = {2021-01-01}, booktitle = {Routledge Handbook of Philosophy of Engineering}, publisher = {Taylor & Francis}, abstract = {Reimagining suggests the idea of opening up new, unconventional spaces of possibilities for an activity or an entity that already exists. At its most transformative, the activity of reimagining develops spaces of possibilities that alter the very definition of that activity or entity. What then would it be to reimagine the future of engineering? Such a question cannot be addressed by a single individual but rather requires the combined perspectives and insights of a number of individuals. The tentative answer presented in this chapter had its beginnings in a workshop on this topic which took place at a meeting of the Forum on Philosophy, Engineering and Technology (fPET) at the University of Maryland, College Park, in 2018. Because participants in the workshop came from the fPET community, they included philosophers and engineers from both inside and outside the academy. On this account, reimagining the future of engineering is a matter of reimagining and redrawing the spaces of engineering itself: spaces for designing, action, problem framing, professional and disciplinary identity, and for the training of future engineers. }, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {incollection} } Reimagining suggests the idea of opening up new, unconventional spaces of possibilities for an activity or an entity that already exists. At its most transformative, the activity of reimagining develops spaces of possibilities that alter the very definition of that activity or entity. What then would it be to reimagine the future of engineering? Such a question cannot be addressed by a single individual but rather requires the combined perspectives and insights of a number of individuals. The tentative answer presented in this chapter had its beginnings in a workshop on this topic which took place at a meeting of the Forum on Philosophy, Engineering and Technology (fPET) at the University of Maryland, College Park, in 2018. Because participants in the workshop came from the fPET community, they included philosophers and engineers from both inside and outside the academy. On this account, reimagining the future of engineering is a matter of reimagining and redrawing the spaces of engineering itself: spaces for designing, action, problem framing, professional and disciplinary identity, and for the training of future engineers. | |
 | Umbrello, Steven Conceptualizing Policy in Value Sensitive Design: A Machine Ethics Approach Incollection Thompson, Steven John (Ed.): Machine Law, Ethics, and Morality in the Age of Artificial Intelligence, pp. 108-125, IGI Global, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA, 2021, ISBN: 9781799848943. @incollection{Umbrello2021a, title = {Conceptualizing Policy in Value Sensitive Design: A Machine Ethics Approach}, author = {Steven Umbrello}, editor = {Steven John Thompson}, url = {https://www.igi-global.com/chapter/conceptualizing-policy-in-value-sensitive-design/265716}, doi = {10.4018/978-1-7998-4894-3.ch007}, isbn = {9781799848943}, year = {2021}, date = {2021-01-01}, booktitle = {Machine Law, Ethics, and Morality in the Age of Artificial Intelligence}, pages = {108-125}, publisher = {IGI Global}, address = {Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA}, chapter = {7}, abstract = {The value sensitive design (VSD) approach to designing transformative technologies for human values is taken as the object of study in this chapter. VSD has traditionally been conceptualized as another type of technology or instrumentally as a tool. The various parts of VSD's principled approach would then aim to discern the various policy requirements that any given technological artifact under consideration would implicate. Yet, little to no consideration has been given to how laws, regulations, policies and social norms engage within VSD practices. Similarly, how the interactive nature of the VSD approach can, in turn, influence those directives. This is exacerbated when we consider machine ethics policy that have global consequences outside their development spheres. What constructs and models will position AI designers to engage in policy concerns? How can the design of AI policy be integrated with technical design? How might VSD be used to develop AI policy? How might law, regulations, social norms, and other kinds of policy regarding AI systems be engaged within value sensitive design? This chapter takes the VSD as its starting point and aims to determine how laws, regulations and policies come to influence how value trade-offs can be managed within VSD practices. It shows that the iterative and interactional nature of VSD both permits and encourages existing policies to be integrated both early on and throughout the design process. The chapter concludes with some potential future research programs.}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {incollection} } The value sensitive design (VSD) approach to designing transformative technologies for human values is taken as the object of study in this chapter. VSD has traditionally been conceptualized as another type of technology or instrumentally as a tool. The various parts of VSD's principled approach would then aim to discern the various policy requirements that any given technological artifact under consideration would implicate. Yet, little to no consideration has been given to how laws, regulations, policies and social norms engage within VSD practices. Similarly, how the interactive nature of the VSD approach can, in turn, influence those directives. This is exacerbated when we consider machine ethics policy that have global consequences outside their development spheres. What constructs and models will position AI designers to engage in policy concerns? How can the design of AI policy be integrated with technical design? How might VSD be used to develop AI policy? How might law, regulations, social norms, and other kinds of policy regarding AI systems be engaged within value sensitive design? This chapter takes the VSD as its starting point and aims to determine how laws, regulations and policies come to influence how value trade-offs can be managed within VSD practices. It shows that the iterative and interactional nature of VSD both permits and encourages existing policies to be integrated both early on and throughout the design process. The chapter concludes with some potential future research programs. |
2020 |
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 | Umbrello, Steven Maurizio Balistreri, Sex robot: l'amore al tempo delle macchine Journal Article Filosofia, (65), pp. 191–193, 2020, ISSN: 2704-8195. @article{Umbrello2020, title = {Maurizio Balistreri, Sex robot: l'amore al tempo delle macchine}, author = {Steven Umbrello}, url = {https://www.ojs.unito.it/index.php/filosofia/article/view/5245}, doi = {10.13135/2704-8195/5245}, issn = {2704-8195}, year = {2020}, date = {2020-10-30}, journal = {Filosofia}, number = {65}, pages = {191--193}, abstract = {A new book by Maurizio Balistreri, "Sex robot. L’amore al tempo delle macchine", is reviewed. Sex robots not only exacerbate social, ethical and cultural issues that already exist, but also come with emergent and novel ones. This book is intended to build on the recent research on both robotics and the growing scholarship on sex robots more generally, however with greater attention to the developments of the philosophical issues of how to deal with these new artefacts and steps for living among these types of systems into the future. }, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } A new book by Maurizio Balistreri, "Sex robot. L’amore al tempo delle macchine", is reviewed. Sex robots not only exacerbate social, ethical and cultural issues that already exist, but also come with emergent and novel ones. This book is intended to build on the recent research on both robotics and the growing scholarship on sex robots more generally, however with greater attention to the developments of the philosophical issues of how to deal with these new artefacts and steps for living among these types of systems into the future. |
| Umbrello, Steven Combinatory and Complementary Practices of Values and Virtues in Design: A Reply to Reijers and Gordijn Journal Article Filosofia, (65), pp. 107–121, 2020, ISSN: 2704-8195. @article{Umbrello2020a, title = {Combinatory and Complementary Practices of Values and Virtues in Design: A Reply to Reijers and Gordijn}, author = {Steven Umbrello}, url = {https://www.ojs.unito.it/index.php/filosofia/article/view/5236}, doi = {10.13135/2704-8195/5236}, issn = {2704-8195}, year = {2020}, date = {2020-10-30}, journal = {Filosofia}, number = {65}, pages = {107--121}, abstract = {The purpose of this paper is to review and critique Wessel Reijers and Bert Gordijn's paper Moving from value sensitive design to virtuous practice design. In doing so, it draws on recent literature on developing value sensitive design (VSD) to show how the authors' virtuous practice design (VPD), at minimum, is not mutually exclusive to VSD. This paper argues that virtuous practice is not exclusive to the basic methodological underpinnings of VSD. This can therefore strengthen, rather than exclude the VSD approach. Likewise, this paper presents not only a critique of what was offered as a “potentially fruitful alternative to VSD” but further clarifies and contributes to the VSD scholarship in extending its potential methodological practices and scope. It is concluded that VPD does not appear to offer any original contribution that more recent instantiations of VSD have not already proposed and implemented.}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } The purpose of this paper is to review and critique Wessel Reijers and Bert Gordijn's paper Moving from value sensitive design to virtuous practice design. In doing so, it draws on recent literature on developing value sensitive design (VSD) to show how the authors' virtuous practice design (VPD), at minimum, is not mutually exclusive to VSD. This paper argues that virtuous practice is not exclusive to the basic methodological underpinnings of VSD. This can therefore strengthen, rather than exclude the VSD approach. Likewise, this paper presents not only a critique of what was offered as a “potentially fruitful alternative to VSD” but further clarifies and contributes to the VSD scholarship in extending its potential methodological practices and scope. It is concluded that VPD does not appear to offer any original contribution that more recent instantiations of VSD have not already proposed and implemented. |
 | Longo, Francesco; Padovano, Antonio; Umbrello, Steven Value-Oriented and Ethical Technology Engineering in Industry 5.0: A Human-Centric Perspective for the Design of the Factory of the Future Journal Article Applied Sciences, 10 (12), pp. 4182, 2020, ISSN: 2076-3417. @article{Longo2020, title = {Value-Oriented and Ethical Technology Engineering in Industry 5.0: A Human-Centric Perspective for the Design of the Factory of the Future}, author = {Francesco Longo and Antonio Padovano and Steven Umbrello}, url = {https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/10/12/4182}, doi = {10.3390/app10124182}, issn = {2076-3417}, year = {2020}, date = {2020-06-01}, journal = {Applied Sciences}, volume = {10}, number = {12}, pages = {4182}, institution = {University of Turin; University of Calabria}, abstract = {Although manufacturing companies are currently situated at a transition point in what has been called Industry 4.0, a new revolutionary wave—Industry 5.0—is emerging as an ‘Age of Augmentation' when the human and machine reconcile and work in perfect symbiosis with one another. Recent years have indeed assisted in drawing attention to the human-centric design of Cyber-Physical Production Systems (CPPS) and to the genesis of the ‘Operator 4.0', two novel concepts that raise significant ethical questions regarding the impact of technology on workers and society at large. This paper argues that a value-oriented and ethical technology engineering in Industry 5.0 is an urgent and sensitive topic as demonstrated by a survey administered to industry leaders from different companies. The Value Sensitive Design (VSD) approach is proposed as a principled framework to illustrate how technologies enabling human–machine symbiosis in the Factory of the Future can be designed to embody elicited human values and to illustrate actionable steps that engineers and designers can take in their design projects. Use cases based on real solutions and prototypes discuss how a design-for-values approach aids in the investigation and mitigation of ethical issues emerging from the implementation of technological solutions and, hence, support the migration to a symbiotic Factory of the Future.}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } Although manufacturing companies are currently situated at a transition point in what has been called Industry 4.0, a new revolutionary wave—Industry 5.0—is emerging as an ‘Age of Augmentation' when the human and machine reconcile and work in perfect symbiosis with one another. Recent years have indeed assisted in drawing attention to the human-centric design of Cyber-Physical Production Systems (CPPS) and to the genesis of the ‘Operator 4.0', two novel concepts that raise significant ethical questions regarding the impact of technology on workers and society at large. This paper argues that a value-oriented and ethical technology engineering in Industry 5.0 is an urgent and sensitive topic as demonstrated by a survey administered to industry leaders from different companies. The Value Sensitive Design (VSD) approach is proposed as a principled framework to illustrate how technologies enabling human–machine symbiosis in the Factory of the Future can be designed to embody elicited human values and to illustrate actionable steps that engineers and designers can take in their design projects. Use cases based on real solutions and prototypes discuss how a design-for-values approach aids in the investigation and mitigation of ethical issues emerging from the implementation of technological solutions and, hence, support the migration to a symbiotic Factory of the Future. |
 | Umbrello, Steven Imaginative Value Sensitive Design: Using Moral Imagination Theory to Inform Responsible Technology Design Journal Article Science and Engineering Ethics, 26 (2), pp. 575–595, 2020, ISSN: 1353-3452. @article{Umbrello2020cb, title = {Imaginative Value Sensitive Design: Using Moral Imagination Theory to Inform Responsible Technology Design}, author = {Steven Umbrello}, url = {http://link.springer.com/10.1007/s11948-019-00104-4}, doi = {10.1007/s11948-019-00104-4}, issn = {1353-3452}, year = {2020}, date = {2020-04-01}, journal = {Science and Engineering Ethics}, volume = {26}, number = {2}, pages = {575--595}, abstract = {Safe-by-Design (SBD) frameworks for the development of emerging technologies have become an ever more popular means by which scholars argue that transformative emerging technologies can safely incorporate human values. One such popular SBD methodology is called Value Sensitive Design (VSD). A central tenet of this design methodology is to investigate stakeholder values and design those values into technologies during early stage research and development (R&D). To accomplish this, the VSD framework mandates that designers consult the philosophical and ethical literature to best determine how to weigh moral trade-offs. However, the VSD framework also concedes the universalism of moral values, particularly the values of freedom, autonomy, equality trust and privacy justice. This paper argues that the VSD methodology, particularly applied to nano-bio-info-cogno (NBIC) technologies, has an insufficient grounding for the determination of moral values. As such, an exploration of the value-investigations of VSD are deconstructed to illustrate both its strengths and weaknesses. This paper also provides possible modalities for the strengthening of the VSD methodology, particularly through the application of moral imagination and how moral imagination exceeds the boundaries of moral intuitions in the development of novel technologies.}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } Safe-by-Design (SBD) frameworks for the development of emerging technologies have become an ever more popular means by which scholars argue that transformative emerging technologies can safely incorporate human values. One such popular SBD methodology is called Value Sensitive Design (VSD). A central tenet of this design methodology is to investigate stakeholder values and design those values into technologies during early stage research and development (R&D). To accomplish this, the VSD framework mandates that designers consult the philosophical and ethical literature to best determine how to weigh moral trade-offs. However, the VSD framework also concedes the universalism of moral values, particularly the values of freedom, autonomy, equality trust and privacy justice. This paper argues that the VSD methodology, particularly applied to nano-bio-info-cogno (NBIC) technologies, has an insufficient grounding for the determination of moral values. As such, an exploration of the value-investigations of VSD are deconstructed to illustrate both its strengths and weaknesses. This paper also provides possible modalities for the strengthening of the VSD methodology, particularly through the application of moral imagination and how moral imagination exceeds the boundaries of moral intuitions in the development of novel technologies. |
 | Umbrello, Steven; Torres, Phil; De Bellis, Angelo F The future of war: could lethal autonomous weapons make conflict more ethical? Journal Article AI & SOCIETY, 35 (1), pp. 273–282, 2020, ISSN: 0951-5666. @article{Umbrello2020d, title = {The future of war: could lethal autonomous weapons make conflict more ethical?}, author = {Steven Umbrello and Phil Torres and Angelo F {De Bellis}}, url = {http://link.springer.com/10.1007/s00146-019-00879-x}, doi = {10.1007/s00146-019-00879-x}, issn = {0951-5666}, year = {2020}, date = {2020-03-01}, journal = {AI & SOCIETY}, volume = {35}, number = {1}, pages = {273--282}, abstract = {Lethal Autonomous Weapons (LAWs) are robotic weapons systems, primarily of value to the military, that could engage in offensive or defensive actions without human intervention. This paper assesses and engages the current arguments for and against the use of LAWs through the lens of achieving more ethical warfare. Specific interest is given particularly to ethical LAWs, which are artificially intelligent weapons systems that make decisions within the bounds of their ethics-based code. To ensure that a wide, but not exhaustive, survey of the implications of employing such ethical devices to replace humans in warfare is taken into account, this paper will engage on matters related to current scholarship on the rejection or acceptance of LAWs—including contemporary technological shortcomings of LAWs to differentiate between targets and the behavioral and psychological volatility of humans—and current and proposed regulatory infrastructures for developing and using such devices. After careful consideration of these factors, this paper will conclude that only ethical LAWs should be used to replace human involvement in war, and, by extension of their consiste}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } Lethal Autonomous Weapons (LAWs) are robotic weapons systems, primarily of value to the military, that could engage in offensive or defensive actions without human intervention. This paper assesses and engages the current arguments for and against the use of LAWs through the lens of achieving more ethical warfare. Specific interest is given particularly to ethical LAWs, which are artificially intelligent weapons systems that make decisions within the bounds of their ethics-based code. To ensure that a wide, but not exhaustive, survey of the implications of employing such ethical devices to replace humans in warfare is taken into account, this paper will engage on matters related to current scholarship on the rejection or acceptance of LAWs—including contemporary technological shortcomings of LAWs to differentiate between targets and the behavioral and psychological volatility of humans—and current and proposed regulatory infrastructures for developing and using such devices. After careful consideration of these factors, this paper will conclude that only ethical LAWs should be used to replace human involvement in war, and, by extension of their consiste |
| Umbrello, Steven Values, Imagination, and Praxis: Towards a Value Sensitive Future with Technology Journal Article Science and Engineering Ethics, 26 (1), pp. 495–499, 2020, ISSN: 1353-3452. @article{Umbrello2020b, title = {Values, Imagination, and Praxis: Towards a Value Sensitive Future with Technology}, author = {Steven Umbrello}, url = {http://link.springer.com/10.1007/s11948-019-00122-2}, doi = {10.1007/s11948-019-00122-2}, issn = {1353-3452}, year = {2020}, date = {2020-02-01}, journal = {Science and Engineering Ethics}, volume = {26}, number = {1}, pages = {495--499}, abstract = {A new book by Batya Friedman and David G. Hendry, Value Sensitive Design: Shaping Technology with Moral Imagination, is reviewed. Value Sensitive Design is a project into the ethical and design issues that emerge during the engineering programs of new technologies. This book is intended to build on the over two decades of value sensitive design research, however with a greater emphasis on the developments of the theoretical underpinnings of the approach as well as initial steps that designers can employ to put the method into practice.}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } A new book by Batya Friedman and David G. Hendry, Value Sensitive Design: Shaping Technology with Moral Imagination, is reviewed. Value Sensitive Design is a project into the ethical and design issues that emerge during the engineering programs of new technologies. This book is intended to build on the over two decades of value sensitive design research, however with a greater emphasis on the developments of the theoretical underpinnings of the approach as well as initial steps that designers can employ to put the method into practice. |
 | Umbrello, Steven Nihilism and Technology Journal Article Prometheus: Critical Studies in Innovation, 36 (4), 2020, ISSN: 08109028. @article{Umbrello, title = {Nihilism and Technology}, author = {Steven Umbrello}, issn = {08109028}, year = {2020}, date = {2020-01-01}, journal = {Prometheus: Critical Studies in Innovation}, volume = {36}, number = {4}, abstract = {At times uncanny, yet thoroughly unsettling, Nolan Gertz's Nihilism and Technology is an unquestionable synthesis of Nietzschean philosophy of nihilism brought to bear on our often overlooked uses and co-construction of technologies. What Nihilism and Technology is, more often than not, is a forceful analysis of how the human-technosocial world is becoming ever more nihilistic.}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } At times uncanny, yet thoroughly unsettling, Nolan Gertz's Nihilism and Technology is an unquestionable synthesis of Nietzschean philosophy of nihilism brought to bear on our often overlooked uses and co-construction of technologies. What Nihilism and Technology is, more often than not, is a forceful analysis of how the human-technosocial world is becoming ever more nihilistic. |
 | Friedman, Batya; Hendry, David G; Umbrello, Steven; Van Den Hoven, Jeroen ; Yoo, Daisy The Future of Value Sensitive Design Inproceedings Borondo, Jorge Pelegrín; Oliva, Mario Arias; Kiyoshi Murata, Kiyoshi ; Palma, Ana María Lara (Ed.): 18th International Conference ETHICOMP 2020, pp. 217–220, Universidad de La Rioja, Logroño, Spain, 2020, ISBN: 978-84-09-20272-0. @inproceedings{Friedman2020, title = {The Future of Value Sensitive Design}, author = {Batya Friedman and David G Hendry and Steven Umbrello and Jeroen {Van Den Hoven} and Daisy Yoo}, editor = {Jorge Pelegrín Borondo and Mario Arias Oliva and Kiyoshi {Kiyoshi Murata} and Ana María Lara Palma}, isbn = {978-84-09-20272-0}, year = {2020}, date = {2020-01-01}, booktitle = {18th International Conference ETHICOMP 2020}, pages = {217--220}, publisher = {Universidad de La Rioja}, address = {Logroño, Spain}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {inproceedings} } |
 | Umbrello, Steven Meaningful Human Control over Smart Home Systems: A Value Sensitive Design Approach Journal Article Humana.Mente Journal of Philosophical Studies, 13 (37), pp. 40–65, 2020. @article{Umbrello2020c, title = {Meaningful Human Control over Smart Home Systems: A Value Sensitive Design Approach}, author = {Steven Umbrello}, url = {https://www.humanamente.eu/index.php/HM/article/view/315}, year = {2020}, date = {2020-01-01}, journal = {Humana.Mente Journal of Philosophical Studies}, volume = {13}, number = {37}, pages = {40--65}, abstract = {The last decade has witnessed the mass distribution and adoption of smart home systems and devices powered by artificial intelligence systems ranging from household appliances like fridges and toasters to more background systems such as air and water quality controllers. The pervasiveness of these sociotechnical systems makes analyzing their ethical implications necessary during the design phases of these devices to ensure not only sociotechnical resilience, but to design them for human values in mind and thus preserve meaningful human control over them. This paper engages in a conceptual investigations of how meaningful human control over smart home devices can be attained through design. The value sensitive design (VSD) approach is proposed as a way of attaining this level of control. In the proposed framework, values are identified and defined, stakeholder groups are investigated and brought into the design process and the technical constraints of the technologies in question are considered. The paper concludes with some initial examples that illustrate a more adoptable way forward for both ethicists and engineers of smart home devices.}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } The last decade has witnessed the mass distribution and adoption of smart home systems and devices powered by artificial intelligence systems ranging from household appliances like fridges and toasters to more background systems such as air and water quality controllers. The pervasiveness of these sociotechnical systems makes analyzing their ethical implications necessary during the design phases of these devices to ensure not only sociotechnical resilience, but to design them for human values in mind and thus preserve meaningful human control over them. This paper engages in a conceptual investigations of how meaningful human control over smart home devices can be attained through design. The value sensitive design (VSD) approach is proposed as a way of attaining this level of control. In the proposed framework, values are identified and defined, stakeholder groups are investigated and brought into the design process and the technical constraints of the technologies in question are considered. The paper concludes with some initial examples that illustrate a more adoptable way forward for both ethicists and engineers of smart home devices. |
 | Gazzaneo, Lucia; Padovano, Antonio; Umbrello, Steven Designing Smart Operator 4.0 for Human Values: A Value Sensitive Design Approach Journal Article Procedia Manufacturing, 42 , pp. 219–226, 2020, ISSN: 23519789. @article{Gazzaneo2020, title = {Designing Smart Operator 4.0 for Human Values: A Value Sensitive Design Approach}, author = {Lucia Gazzaneo and Antonio Padovano and Steven Umbrello}, url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2351978920306375 https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S2351978920306375}, doi = {10.1016/j.promfg.2020.02.073}, issn = {23519789}, year = {2020}, date = {2020-01-01}, journal = {Procedia Manufacturing}, volume = {42}, pages = {219--226}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Rende, CS}, abstract = {Emerging technologies such as cloud computing, augmented and virtual reality, artificial intelligence and robotics, among others, are transforming the field of manufacturing and industry as a whole in unprecedent ways. This fourth industrial revolution is consequentially changing how operators that have been crucial to industry success go about their practices in industrial environments. This paper briefly introduces a novel way of conceptualizing the human operator necessarily implicates human values in the technologies that constitute it. Similarly, the design methodology known as value sensitive design (VSD) is drawn upon to discuss how these Operator 4.0 technologies can be designed for human values.}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } Emerging technologies such as cloud computing, augmented and virtual reality, artificial intelligence and robotics, among others, are transforming the field of manufacturing and industry as a whole in unprecedent ways. This fourth industrial revolution is consequentially changing how operators that have been crucial to industry success go about their practices in industrial environments. This paper briefly introduces a novel way of conceptualizing the human operator necessarily implicates human values in the technologies that constitute it. Similarly, the design methodology known as value sensitive design (VSD) is drawn upon to discuss how these Operator 4.0 technologies can be designed for human values. |
2019 |
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 | Umbrello, Steven Atomically Precise Manufacturing and Responsible Innovation: A Value Sensitive Design Approach to Explorative Nanophilosophy Journal Article International Journal of Technoethics, 10 (2), pp. 1–21, 2019, ISSN: 1947-3451. @article{Umbrello2019a, title = {Atomically Precise Manufacturing and Responsible Innovation: A Value Sensitive Design Approach to Explorative Nanophilosophy}, author = {Steven Umbrello}, url = {http://services.igi-global.com/resolvedoi/resolve.aspx?doi=10.4018/IJT.2019070101}, doi = {10.4018/IJT.2019070101}, issn = {1947-3451}, year = {2019}, date = {2019-07-01}, journal = {International Journal of Technoethics}, volume = {10}, number = {2}, pages = {1--21}, institution = {Institute for Ethics and Emerging Technologies}, abstract = {Although continued investments in nanotechnology are made, atomically precise manufacturing (APM) to date is still regarded as speculative technology. APM, also known as molecular manufacturing, is a token example of a converging technology, has great potential to impact and be affected by other emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and ICT. The development of APM thus can have drastic global impacts depending on how it is designed and used. This article argues that the ethical issues that arise from APM - as both a standalone technology or as a converging one - affects the roles of stakeholders in such a way as to warrant an alternate means furthering responsible innovation in APM research. This article introduces a value-based design methodology called value sensitive design (VSD) that may serve as a suitable framework to adequately cater to the values of stakeholders. Ultimately, it is concluded that VSD is a strong candidate framework for addressing the moral concerns of stakeholders during the preliminary stages of technological development.}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } Although continued investments in nanotechnology are made, atomically precise manufacturing (APM) to date is still regarded as speculative technology. APM, also known as molecular manufacturing, is a token example of a converging technology, has great potential to impact and be affected by other emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and ICT. The development of APM thus can have drastic global impacts depending on how it is designed and used. This article argues that the ethical issues that arise from APM - as both a standalone technology or as a converging one - affects the roles of stakeholders in such a way as to warrant an alternate means furthering responsible innovation in APM research. This article introduces a value-based design methodology called value sensitive design (VSD) that may serve as a suitable framework to adequately cater to the values of stakeholders. Ultimately, it is concluded that VSD is a strong candidate framework for addressing the moral concerns of stakeholders during the preliminary stages of technological development. |
 | Umbrello, Steven; Sorgner, Stefan Lorenz Nonconscious Cognitive Suffering: Considering Suffering Risks of Embodied Artificial Intelligence Journal Article Philosophies, 4 (2), pp. 24, 2019, ISSN: 2409-9287. @article{Umbrello2019d, title = {Nonconscious Cognitive Suffering: Considering Suffering Risks of Embodied Artificial Intelligence}, author = {Steven Umbrello and Stefan Lorenz Sorgner}, url = {https://www.mdpi.com/2409-9287/4/2/24}, doi = {10.3390/philosophies4020024}, issn = {2409-9287}, year = {2019}, date = {2019-05-01}, journal = {Philosophies}, volume = {4}, number = {2}, pages = {24}, abstract = {Strong arguments have been formulated that the computational limits of disembodied artificial intelligence (AI) will, sooner or later, be a problem that needs to be addressed. Similarly, convincing cases for how embodied forms of AI can exceed these limits makes for worthwhile research avenues. This paper discusses how embodied cognition brings with it other forms of information integration and decision-making consequences that typically involve discussions of machine cognition and similarly, machine consciousness. N. Katherine Hayles's novel conception of nonconscious cognition in her analysis of the human cognition-consciousness connection is discussed in relation to how nonconscious cognition can be envisioned and exacerbated in embodied AI. Similarly, this paper offers a way of understanding the concept of suffering in a way that is different than the conventional sense of attributing it to either a purely physical state or a conscious state, instead of grounding at least a type of suffering in this form of cognition.}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } Strong arguments have been formulated that the computational limits of disembodied artificial intelligence (AI) will, sooner or later, be a problem that needs to be addressed. Similarly, convincing cases for how embodied forms of AI can exceed these limits makes for worthwhile research avenues. This paper discusses how embodied cognition brings with it other forms of information integration and decision-making consequences that typically involve discussions of machine cognition and similarly, machine consciousness. N. Katherine Hayles's novel conception of nonconscious cognition in her analysis of the human cognition-consciousness connection is discussed in relation to how nonconscious cognition can be envisioned and exacerbated in embodied AI. Similarly, this paper offers a way of understanding the concept of suffering in a way that is different than the conventional sense of attributing it to either a purely physical state or a conscious state, instead of grounding at least a type of suffering in this form of cognition. |
 | Umbrello, Steven Evolution Science and Ethics in the Third Millennium: Challenges and Choices for Humankind by Robert Cliquet and Dragana Avramov. Journal Article World Futures, 75 (4), pp. 191–193, 2019, ISSN: 0260-4027. @article{Umbrello2018h, title = {Evolution Science and Ethics in the Third Millennium: Challenges and Choices for Humankind by Robert Cliquet and Dragana Avramov.}, author = {Steven Umbrello}, url = {https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/02604027.2018.1490113}, doi = {10.1080/02604027.2018.1490113}, issn = {0260-4027}, year = {2019}, date = {2019-05-01}, journal = {World Futures}, volume = {75}, number = {4}, pages = {191--193}, publisher = {Routledge}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } |
 | Umbrello, Steven Steps to Designing AI-Empowered Nanotechnology: A Value Sensitive Design Approach Journal Article Delphi - Interdisciplinary Review of Emerging Technologies, 2 (2), pp. 79–83, 2019. @article{Umbrello2019b, title = {Steps to Designing AI-Empowered Nanotechnology: A Value Sensitive Design Approach}, author = {Steven Umbrello}, url = {https://doi.org/10.21552/delphi/2019/2/6%0A%0A}, doi = {10.21552/delphi/2019/2/6}, year = {2019}, date = {2019-01-01}, journal = {Delphi - Interdisciplinary Review of Emerging Technologies}, volume = {2}, number = {2}, pages = {79--83}, publisher = {HeinOnline}, abstract = {Advanced nanotechnology promises to be one of the fundamental transformational emerging technologies alongside others such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and other informational and cognitive technologies. Although scholarship on nanotechnology, particularly advanced nanotechnology such as molecular manufacturing has nearly ceased in the last decade, normal nanotechnology that is building the foundations for more advanced versions has permeated many industries and commercial products and has become a billion dollar industry. This paper acknowledges the socialtechnicity of advanced nanotechnology and proposes how its convergence with other enabling technologies like AI can be anticipated and designed with human values in mind. Preliminary guidelines inspired by the Value Sensitive Design approach to technology design are proposed for molecular manufacturing in the age of artificial intelligence.}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } Advanced nanotechnology promises to be one of the fundamental transformational emerging technologies alongside others such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and other informational and cognitive technologies. Although scholarship on nanotechnology, particularly advanced nanotechnology such as molecular manufacturing has nearly ceased in the last decade, normal nanotechnology that is building the foundations for more advanced versions has permeated many industries and commercial products and has become a billion dollar industry. This paper acknowledges the socialtechnicity of advanced nanotechnology and proposes how its convergence with other enabling technologies like AI can be anticipated and designed with human values in mind. Preliminary guidelines inspired by the Value Sensitive Design approach to technology design are proposed for molecular manufacturing in the age of artificial intelligence. |
 | Umbrello, Steven Book review: Being Ecological by Timothy Morton Journal Article Journal of Evolution and Technology, 29 (1), pp. 19–20, 2019, ISSN: 1541-0099. @article{Umbrello2019b, title = {Book review: Being Ecological by Timothy Morton}, author = {Steven Umbrello}, url = {https://jetpress.org/v29.1/umbrello.html}, issn = {1541-0099}, year = {2019}, date = {2019-01-01}, journal = {Journal of Evolution and Technology}, volume = {29}, number = {1}, pages = {19--20}, abstract = {From its opening page, Being Ecological (MIT Press, 2018; all page references to this edition) seems to situate itself as an ecological text of an unusual kind, stating that it does not aim to guilt its readers into ecological angst with weighty factoids and the information-dump approach, or "ecological information delivery mode" (p. 7), so often adopted by other authors. Timothy Morton, notorious for his ability to invert commonly held beliefs and understandings within the humanities, presents Being Ecological as his attempt to arrive at a more authentic and productive understanding of what he has called elsewhere the ecological thought and how to live with it (Morton 2012), rather than trying to guilt-trip us into ecology. Rather than employing the information-dump approach, Morton opts to investigate the way we understand ecology and our interconnected relationships with nonhuman beings. His goal is to arrive at a lived and embodied ecology, rather than the information-and fact-based one that dominates the existing ecological literature. To arrive at this, most of the book is dedicated to a staunch critique of anthropocentrism. This reveals the illusory nature of human-exclusive correlationism, that is, the world is not simply the correlation beween the human mind and external objects. This demonstrates, even to the most ecologically apathetic or ignorant reader, that the human interconnectedness with nonhumans and the biosphere is intrinsically deep, uncanny, and necessarily inseparable.}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } From its opening page, Being Ecological (MIT Press, 2018; all page references to this edition) seems to situate itself as an ecological text of an unusual kind, stating that it does not aim to guilt its readers into ecological angst with weighty factoids and the information-dump approach, or "ecological information delivery mode" (p. 7), so often adopted by other authors. Timothy Morton, notorious for his ability to invert commonly held beliefs and understandings within the humanities, presents Being Ecological as his attempt to arrive at a more authentic and productive understanding of what he has called elsewhere the ecological thought and how to live with it (Morton 2012), rather than trying to guilt-trip us into ecology. Rather than employing the information-dump approach, Morton opts to investigate the way we understand ecology and our interconnected relationships with nonhuman beings. His goal is to arrive at a lived and embodied ecology, rather than the information-and fact-based one that dominates the existing ecological literature. To arrive at this, most of the book is dedicated to a staunch critique of anthropocentrism. This reveals the illusory nature of human-exclusive correlationism, that is, the world is not simply the correlation beween the human mind and external objects. This demonstrates, even to the most ecologically apathetic or ignorant reader, that the human interconnectedness with nonhumans and the biosphere is intrinsically deep, uncanny, and necessarily inseparable. |
 | Umbrello, Steven Lethal Autonomous Weapons: Designing War Machines with Values Journal Article Delphi - Interdisciplinary Review of Emerging Technologies, 2 (1), pp. 30–34, 2019, ISSN: 26263734. @article{Umbrello2019c, title = {Lethal Autonomous Weapons: Designing War Machines with Values}, author = {Steven Umbrello}, url = {http://delphi.lexxion.eu/article/DELPHI/2019/1/7}, doi = {10.21552/delphi/2019/1/7}, issn = {26263734}, year = {2019}, date = {2019-01-01}, journal = {Delphi - Interdisciplinary Review of Emerging Technologies}, volume = {2}, number = {1}, pages = {30--34}, abstract = {Lethal Autonomous Weapons (LAWs) have becomes the subject of continuous debate both at national and international levels. Arguments have been proposed both for the development and use of LAWs as well as their prohibition from combat landscapes. Regardless, the development of LAWs continues in numerous nation-states. This paper builds upon previous philosophical arguments for the development and use of LAWs and proposes a design framework that can be used to ethically direct their development. The conclusion is that the philosophical arguments that underpin the adoption of LAWs, although prima facie insufficient, can be actualised through the proposed Value Sensitive Design (VSD) approach. Hence, what is proposed is a principled design approach that can be used to embed stakeholder values into a design, encourage stakeholder cooperation and coordination and as a result promote social acceptance of LAWs as a preferable future fact of war.}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } Lethal Autonomous Weapons (LAWs) have becomes the subject of continuous debate both at national and international levels. Arguments have been proposed both for the development and use of LAWs as well as their prohibition from combat landscapes. Regardless, the development of LAWs continues in numerous nation-states. This paper builds upon previous philosophical arguments for the development and use of LAWs and proposes a design framework that can be used to ethically direct their development. The conclusion is that the philosophical arguments that underpin the adoption of LAWs, although prima facie insufficient, can be actualised through the proposed Value Sensitive Design (VSD) approach. Hence, what is proposed is a principled design approach that can be used to embed stakeholder values into a design, encourage stakeholder cooperation and coordination and as a result promote social acceptance of LAWs as a preferable future fact of war. |
 | Umbrello, Steven Explorative Nanophilosophy as Technoscienza: An Italian Perspective on the Role of Speculation in Nanoindustry Journal Article TECNOSCIENZA: Italian Journal of Science & Technology Studies, 10 (1), pp. 71–88, 2019. @article{Umbrello2019e, title = {Explorative Nanophilosophy as Technoscienza: An Italian Perspective on the Role of Speculation in Nanoindustry}, author = {Steven Umbrello}, url = {http://www.tecnoscienza.net/index.php/tsj/article/view/380}, year = {2019}, date = {2019-01-01}, journal = {TECNOSCIENZA: Italian Journal of Science & Technology Studies}, volume = {10}, number = {1}, pages = {71--88}, abstract = {There are two primary camps in which nanotechnology today can be categorized normal nanotechnology and speculative nanotechnology. The birth of nanotechnology proper was conceived through discourses of speculative nanotechnology. However, current nanotechnology research has detracted from its speculative promises in favour of more attainable material products. Nonetheless, normal nanotechnology has leveraged the popular support and consequential funding it needs to conduct research and development (R&D) as a result of popular conceptions of speculative nanotechnology and its promises. Similarly, the scholarly literature has shifted its focus away from speculative nanofutures towards normal nanotechnology R&D. This paper shows that there is an incongruence between the representation of nanotechnology in the media, scholarly journals and industry.}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } There are two primary camps in which nanotechnology today can be categorized normal nanotechnology and speculative nanotechnology. The birth of nanotechnology proper was conceived through discourses of speculative nanotechnology. However, current nanotechnology research has detracted from its speculative promises in favour of more attainable material products. Nonetheless, normal nanotechnology has leveraged the popular support and consequential funding it needs to conduct research and development (R&D) as a result of popular conceptions of speculative nanotechnology and its promises. Similarly, the scholarly literature has shifted its focus away from speculative nanofutures towards normal nanotechnology R&D. This paper shows that there is an incongruence between the representation of nanotechnology in the media, scholarly journals and industry. |
 | Umbrello, Fragile Umanità by Leonardo Caffo Journal Article Journal of Posthuman Studies, 3 (1), pp. 105, 2019, ISSN: 24724513. @article{Umbrello2019f, title = {Fragile Umanità by Leonardo Caffo}, author = {Umbrello}, url = {https://www.jstor.org/stable/10.5325/jpoststud.3.1.0105}, doi = {10.5325/jpoststud.3.1.0105}, issn = {24724513}, year = {2019}, date = {2019-01-01}, journal = {Journal of Posthuman Studies}, volume = {3}, number = {1}, pages = {105}, abstract = {A new book by Leonardo Caffo, Fragile Umanità, is reviewed. Fragile Umanità serves as a primer intended to introduce both professionals and non-professionsals to the concepts of contemporary posthumanism and the failures of humanist philosophies. The book's core methodology is to outline the differences between humanist and posthumanist philosophies and show how the latter is less contentious and favourable. The book is stylistically engaging, lucid and academically current, providing both novice readers and seasoned scholars with an easy-to-read introduction to posthumanist theory for Italian scholars.}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } A new book by Leonardo Caffo, Fragile Umanità, is reviewed. Fragile Umanità serves as a primer intended to introduce both professionals and non-professionsals to the concepts of contemporary posthumanism and the failures of humanist philosophies. The book's core methodology is to outline the differences between humanist and posthumanist philosophies and show how the latter is less contentious and favourable. The book is stylistically engaging, lucid and academically current, providing both novice readers and seasoned scholars with an easy-to-read introduction to posthumanist theory for Italian scholars. |
 | Umbrello, Steven Beneficial Artificial Intelligence Coordination by Means of a Value Sensitive Design Approach Journal Article Big Data and Cognitive Computing, 3 (1), pp. 5, 2019, ISSN: 2504-2289. @article{Umbrello2019g, title = {Beneficial Artificial Intelligence Coordination by Means of a Value Sensitive Design Approach}, author = {Steven Umbrello}, url = {https://www.mdpi.com/2504-2289/3/1/5}, doi = {10.3390/bdcc3010005}, issn = {2504-2289}, year = {2019}, date = {2019-01-01}, journal = {Big Data and Cognitive Computing}, volume = {3}, number = {1}, pages = {5}, abstract = {This paper argues that the Value Sensitive Design (VSD) methodology provides a principled approach to embedding common values into AI systems both early and throughout the design process. To do so, it draws on an important case study: the evidence and final report of the UK Select Committee on Artificial Intelligence. This empirical investigation shows that the different and often disparate stakeholder groups that are implicated in AI design and use share some common values that can be used to further strengthen design coordination efforts. VSD is shown to be both able to distill these common values as well as provide a framework for stakeholder coordination.}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } This paper argues that the Value Sensitive Design (VSD) methodology provides a principled approach to embedding common values into AI systems both early and throughout the design process. To do so, it draws on an important case study: the evidence and final report of the UK Select Committee on Artificial Intelligence. This empirical investigation shows that the different and often disparate stakeholder groups that are implicated in AI design and use share some common values that can be used to further strengthen design coordination efforts. VSD is shown to be both able to distill these common values as well as provide a framework for stakeholder coordination. |
 | Umbrello, Steven Moving to a Posthuman Technosphere Journal Article Techné: Research in Philosophy and Technology, 23 (1), pp. 104–106, 2019, ISSN: 2691-5928. @article{Umbrello2018, title = {Moving to a Posthuman Technosphere}, author = {Steven Umbrello}, url = {http://www.pdcnet.org/oom/service?url_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=&rft.imuse_id=techne_2019_0023_0001_0104_0106&svc_id=info:www.pdcnet.org/collection}, doi = {10.5840/techne20192311}, issn = {2691-5928}, year = {2019}, date = {2019-01-01}, journal = {Techné: Research in Philosophy and Technology}, volume = {23}, number = {1}, pages = {104--106}, abstract = {A new book by Roberto Marchesini, Tecnosfera, is reviewed. Technosfera serves as an in-depth exploration of the concept of techne and its relation to humanist and posthumanist thought for professionals. The book's core methodology is to explore the geneaological, linguistic and philosophical differences between the humanist and posthumanist concepts of techne and show how the latter is less contentious and favourable. The book is informationally dense, well-argued and academically current, providing seasoned scholars with a novel exploratory approach to posthumanist theory.}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } A new book by Roberto Marchesini, Tecnosfera, is reviewed. Technosfera serves as an in-depth exploration of the concept of techne and its relation to humanist and posthumanist thought for professionals. The book's core methodology is to explore the geneaological, linguistic and philosophical differences between the humanist and posthumanist concepts of techne and show how the latter is less contentious and favourable. The book is informationally dense, well-argued and academically current, providing seasoned scholars with a novel exploratory approach to posthumanist theory. |
2018 |
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 | Umbrello, Steven; Lombard, Jessica Silence of the Idols: Appropriating the Myths of Daedalus and Sisyphus for Posthumanist Discourses Journal Article Postmodern Openings, 9 (4), pp. 98–121, 2018, ISSN: 20680236. @article{Umbrello2018n, title = {Silence of the Idols: Appropriating the Myths of Daedalus and Sisyphus for Posthumanist Discourses}, author = {Steven Umbrello and Jessica Lombard}, url = {http://www.lumenpublishing.com/journals/index.php/po/article/view/1118}, doi = {10.18662/po/47}, issn = {20680236}, year = {2018}, date = {2018-12-01}, journal = {Postmodern Openings}, volume = {9}, number = {4}, pages = {98--121}, institution = {Institute for Ethics and Emerging Technologies}, abstract = {Both current and past analyses and critiques of transhumanist and posthumanist theories have had a propensity to cite the Greek myth of Prometheus as a paradigmatic figure. Although stark differences exist amongst the token forms of posthumanist theories and transhumanism, both theoretical domains claim promethean theory as their own. By first analyzing the appropriation of the myth in both posthumanism and transhumanism I show how the myth fails to be foundational to both camps simultaneously. I then introduce the Camusian Myth of Sisyphus as a competing analogy that ultimately serves as a myth better suited to address the posthumanist position by shifting away from humanist-laden dichotomies that are characteristic of transhumanist thought. I ultimately show that Sisyphus, as the 'absurd man' that Camus claims him to be, is himself the posthuman, thus serving as a more ideal foundational myth for posthumanism and preserving the importance of narrative in posthuman discourses. To conclude I show that the concept of Sisyphus as a posthuman icon has significance that reaches beyond narrative value to current ecological debates in posthumanist}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } Both current and past analyses and critiques of transhumanist and posthumanist theories have had a propensity to cite the Greek myth of Prometheus as a paradigmatic figure. Although stark differences exist amongst the token forms of posthumanist theories and transhumanism, both theoretical domains claim promethean theory as their own. By first analyzing the appropriation of the myth in both posthumanism and transhumanism I show how the myth fails to be foundational to both camps simultaneously. I then introduce the Camusian Myth of Sisyphus as a competing analogy that ultimately serves as a myth better suited to address the posthumanist position by shifting away from humanist-laden dichotomies that are characteristic of transhumanist thought. I ultimately show that Sisyphus, as the 'absurd man' that Camus claims him to be, is himself the posthuman, thus serving as a more ideal foundational myth for posthumanism and preserving the importance of narrative in posthuman discourses. To conclude I show that the concept of Sisyphus as a posthuman icon has significance that reaches beyond narrative value to current ecological debates in posthumanist |
 | Umbrello, Steven Posthumanism Journal Article Con Texte, 2 (1), pp. 28–32, 2018, ISSN: 2561-4770. @article{Umbrello2018b, title = {Posthumanism}, author = {Steven Umbrello}, url = {https://www.researchgate.net/publication/327103678_Posthumanism_A_Fickle_Philosophy https://pubs.biblio.laurentian.ca/index.php/contexte/article/view/288}, doi = {10.28984/ct.v2i1.288}, issn = {2561-4770}, year = {2018}, date = {2018-10-01}, journal = {Con Texte}, volume = {2}, number = {1}, pages = {28--32}, abstract = {Defining posthumanism as a single, well-oriented philosophy is a difficult if not impossible endeavour. Part of the reason for this difficulty is accounted by posthumanism’s illusive origins and its perpetually changing hermeneutics. This short paper gives a brief account of the ecological trend in contemporary posthumanism and provides a short prescription for the future of posthumanist literature and potential research avenues.}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } Defining posthumanism as a single, well-oriented philosophy is a difficult if not impossible endeavour. Part of the reason for this difficulty is accounted by posthumanism’s illusive origins and its perpetually changing hermeneutics. This short paper gives a brief account of the ecological trend in contemporary posthumanism and provides a short prescription for the future of posthumanist literature and potential research avenues. |
 | Umbrello, Steven; Baum, Seth D Evaluating future nanotechnology: The net societal impacts of atomically precise manufacturing Journal Article Futures, 100 (June), pp. 63–73, 2018, ISSN: 00163287. @article{Umbrello2018m, title = {Evaluating future nanotechnology: The net societal impacts of atomically precise manufacturing}, author = {Steven Umbrello and Seth D Baum}, url = {https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0016328717301908}, doi = {10.1016/j.futures.2018.04.007}, issn = {00163287}, year = {2018}, date = {2018-06-01}, journal = {Futures}, volume = {100}, number = {June}, pages = {63--73}, abstract = {Atomically precise manufacturing (APM) is the assembly of materials with atomic precision. APM does not currently exist, and may not be feasible, but if it is feasible, then the societal impacts could be dramatic. This paper assesses the net societal impacts of APM across the full range of important APM sectors: general material wealth, environmental issues, military affairs, surveillance, artificial intelligence, and space travel. Positive effects were found for material wealth, the environment, military affairs (specifically nuclear disarmament), and space travel. Negative effects were found for military affairs (specifically rogue actor violence and AI. The net effect for surveillance was ambiguous. The effects for the environment, military affairs, and AI appear to be the largest, with the environment perhaps being the largest of these, suggesting that APM would be net beneficial to society. However, these factors are not well quantified and no definitive conclusion can be made. One conclusion that can be reached is that if APM R&D is pursued, it should go hand-in-hand with effective governance strategies to increase the benefits and reduce the harms.}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } Atomically precise manufacturing (APM) is the assembly of materials with atomic precision. APM does not currently exist, and may not be feasible, but if it is feasible, then the societal impacts could be dramatic. This paper assesses the net societal impacts of APM across the full range of important APM sectors: general material wealth, environmental issues, military affairs, surveillance, artificial intelligence, and space travel. Positive effects were found for material wealth, the environment, military affairs (specifically nuclear disarmament), and space travel. Negative effects were found for military affairs (specifically rogue actor violence and AI. The net effect for surveillance was ambiguous. The effects for the environment, military affairs, and AI appear to be the largest, with the environment perhaps being the largest of these, suggesting that APM would be net beneficial to society. However, these factors are not well quantified and no definitive conclusion can be made. One conclusion that can be reached is that if APM R&D is pursued, it should go hand-in-hand with effective governance strategies to increase the benefits and reduce the harms. |
 | Umbrello, Steven The moral psychology of value sensitive design: the methodological issues of moral intuitions for responsible innovation Journal Article Journal of Responsible Innovation, 5 (2), pp. 186–200, 2018, ISSN: 2329-9460. @article{Umbrello2018j, title = {The moral psychology of value sensitive design: the methodological issues of moral intuitions for responsible innovation}, author = {Steven Umbrello}, url = {https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/23299460.2018.1457401}, doi = {10.1080/23299460.2018.1457401}, issn = {2329-9460}, year = {2018}, date = {2018-05-01}, journal = {Journal of Responsible Innovation}, volume = {5}, number = {2}, pages = {186--200}, publisher = {Taylor & Francis}, abstract = {This paper argues that although moral intuitions are insufficient for making judgments on new technological innovations, they maintain great utility for informing responsible innovation. To do this, this paper employs the Value Sensitive Design (VSD) methodology as an illustrative example of how stakeholder values can be better distilled to inform responsible innovation. Further, it is argued that moral intuitions are necessary for determining stakeholder values required for the design of responsible technologies. This argument is supported by the claim that the moral intuitions of stakeholders allow designers to conceptualize stakeholder values and incorporate them into the early phases of design. It is concluded that design-for-values (DFV) frameworks like the VSD methodology can remain potent if developers adopt heuristic tools to diminish the influence of cognitive biases thus strengthening the reliability of moral intuitions.}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } This paper argues that although moral intuitions are insufficient for making judgments on new technological innovations, they maintain great utility for informing responsible innovation. To do this, this paper employs the Value Sensitive Design (VSD) methodology as an illustrative example of how stakeholder values can be better distilled to inform responsible innovation. Further, it is argued that moral intuitions are necessary for determining stakeholder values required for the design of responsible technologies. This argument is supported by the claim that the moral intuitions of stakeholders allow designers to conceptualize stakeholder values and incorporate them into the early phases of design. It is concluded that design-for-values (DFV) frameworks like the VSD methodology can remain potent if developers adopt heuristic tools to diminish the influence of cognitive biases thus strengthening the reliability of moral intuitions. |
| Umbrello, Steven Book Review: Phil Torres's Morality, Foresight, and Human Flourishing: An Introduction to Existential Risks Journal Article Futures, 98 (April), pp. 90–91, 2018, ISSN: 00163287. @article{Umbrello2018k, title = {Book Review: Phil Torres's Morality, Foresight, and Human Flourishing: An Introduction to Existential Risks}, author = {Steven Umbrello}, url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S001632871730263X?via%3Dihub https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S001632871730263X}, doi = {10.1016/j.futures.2018.02.007}, issn = {00163287}, year = {2018}, date = {2018-04-01}, journal = {Futures}, volume = {98}, number = {April}, pages = {90--91}, abstract = {A new book by Phil Torres, Morality, Foresight, and Human Flourishing: An Introduction to Existential Risks, is reviewed. Morality, Foresight and Human Flourishing is a primer intended to introduce students and interested scholars to the concepts and literature on existential risk. The book's core methodology is to outline the various existential risks currently discussed in different disciplines and provides novel strategies for risk mitigation. The book is stylistically engaging, lucid and academically current, providing both novice readers and seasoned scholars with an easy-to-read introduction to risk studies. The book is by far the most engaging and comprehensive volume on risk studies aimed at captivating new scholars to the field.}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } A new book by Phil Torres, Morality, Foresight, and Human Flourishing: An Introduction to Existential Risks, is reviewed. Morality, Foresight and Human Flourishing is a primer intended to introduce students and interested scholars to the concepts and literature on existential risk. The book's core methodology is to outline the various existential risks currently discussed in different disciplines and provides novel strategies for risk mitigation. The book is stylistically engaging, lucid and academically current, providing both novice readers and seasoned scholars with an easy-to-read introduction to risk studies. The book is by far the most engaging and comprehensive volume on risk studies aimed at captivating new scholars to the field. |
 | Umbrello, Steven Humankind: solidarity with nonhuman people Journal Article Journal of Critical Realism, 17 (1), pp. 84–86, 2018, ISSN: 1476-7430. @article{Umbrello2018c, title = {Humankind: solidarity with nonhuman people}, author = {Steven Umbrello}, url = {https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14767430.2018.1437878}, doi = {10.1080/14767430.2018.1437878}, issn = {1476-7430}, year = {2018}, date = {2018-01-01}, journal = {Journal of Critical Realism}, volume = {17}, number = {1}, pages = {84--86}, abstract = {A new book by Timothy Morton, Humankind: Solidarity with Nonhuman People, is reviewed. Humankind: Solidarity with Nonhuman People is a project into the applied political ethics that emerge between speculative realism and Marxism. This book is intended to build on the object-oriented ontology that Morton has espoused in previous volumes, however with a greater emphasis on normative politics. The book's core methodology is to outline the various neologisms that Morton employs and incorporate those speculative realist terms into a retooling of Marxist. The book dialogue prose is a poetic tour de force that is both academically and philosophically rigorous. Morton provides a novel reworking of Marxist theory that can exist on the cutting edge of continental philosophy.}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } A new book by Timothy Morton, Humankind: Solidarity with Nonhuman People, is reviewed. Humankind: Solidarity with Nonhuman People is a project into the applied political ethics that emerge between speculative realism and Marxism. This book is intended to build on the object-oriented ontology that Morton has espoused in previous volumes, however with a greater emphasis on normative politics. The book's core methodology is to outline the various neologisms that Morton employs and incorporate those speculative realist terms into a retooling of Marxist. The book dialogue prose is a poetic tour de force that is both academically and philosophically rigorous. Morton provides a novel reworking of Marxist theory that can exist on the cutting edge of continental philosophy. |
 | Umbrello, Steven A Theory of Everything? Journal Article Cultural Studies Review, 24 (2), pp. 184–186, 2018. @article{Umbrello2018d, title = {A Theory of Everything?}, author = {Steven Umbrello}, doi = {10.5130/csr.v24i1.6318}, year = {2018}, date = {2018-01-01}, journal = {Cultural Studies Review}, volume = {24}, number = {2}, pages = {184--186}, abstract = {Harman is generally regarded as the father of object-oriented ontology, one of the few instantiations of speculative realism, a philosophical position that criticizes the anthropocentric post-Kantian position that all being is the reduction of the correlation between human cognition and the object of inquiry.His 1999 doctoral dissertation “Tool-Being: Elements in a Theory of Objects,” launched the term ‘object-oriented philosophy,' which Levi Bryant rechristened as an ontology in 2009. Both terms are used synonymously by speculative realists, although Bryant's formulation has greater typological appeal. With this book, Harman ignites the philosophical domain by providing the first dedicated account of OOO for a general readership.}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } Harman is generally regarded as the father of object-oriented ontology, one of the few instantiations of speculative realism, a philosophical position that criticizes the anthropocentric post-Kantian position that all being is the reduction of the correlation between human cognition and the object of inquiry.His 1999 doctoral dissertation “Tool-Being: Elements in a Theory of Objects,” launched the term ‘object-oriented philosophy,' which Levi Bryant rechristened as an ontology in 2009. Both terms are used synonymously by speculative realists, although Bryant's formulation has greater typological appeal. With this book, Harman ignites the philosophical domain by providing the first dedicated account of OOO for a general readership. |
 | Umbrello, Steven A Review of Leonardo Caffo and Azzurra Muzzonigro's Journal Article Journal of Futures Studies, 23 (1), pp. 101–103, 2018. @article{Umbrello2018e, title = {A Review of Leonardo Caffo and Azzurra Muzzonigro's }, author = {Steven Umbrello}, url = {https://jfsdigital.org/articles-and-essays/2018-2/a-review-of-leonardo-caffo-and-azzurra-muzzonigros-costruire-futuri-migrazioni-citta-immaginazioni/}, doi = {10.6531/JFS.201812_23(2).0007}, year = {2018}, date = {2018-01-01}, booktitle = {Journal of Futures Studies}, journal = {Journal of Futures Studies}, volume = {23}, number = {1}, pages = {101--103}, abstract = {Modernism has provided a strong case for technoprogressivism, innovation and speculation on future possibilities. However, drastic and often devastating consequences have followed modernism such as global warming and mass biodiversity loss. In Leonardo Caffo and Azzurra Muzzonigro's new book 1 , a case for posthumanism as a means for envisioning and rethinking futures studies is argued and practical means by which those futures can be realized are outlined. A critique of modernity and grand narratives of unification, Caffo and Muzzonigro aim to revaluate contemporaneity to imagine more authentic futures and the means by which peoples can realize them. At its core, Costruire Futuri (literally, Constructing Futures) is a prototypical work in posthumanist ethics, but anything but aprototypical in its execution. The authors contend that the hybridization between the disciplines of philosophy, art and architecture are essential engines for change. Similarly, the book itself is constructed as a hybrid project rather than one of simple interdisciplinarity, one that hybridizes the three disciplines as co-constituting one another. The central thesis here is that constructing futures means correcting past errors as if they are causes rather than mere consequences. The past is alive, embodied and continually transforming current and future practices. Similarly, envisioned futures shape the present and affect the hermeneutics of the past.}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } Modernism has provided a strong case for technoprogressivism, innovation and speculation on future possibilities. However, drastic and often devastating consequences have followed modernism such as global warming and mass biodiversity loss. In Leonardo Caffo and Azzurra Muzzonigro's new book 1 , a case for posthumanism as a means for envisioning and rethinking futures studies is argued and practical means by which those futures can be realized are outlined. A critique of modernity and grand narratives of unification, Caffo and Muzzonigro aim to revaluate contemporaneity to imagine more authentic futures and the means by which peoples can realize them. At its core, Costruire Futuri (literally, Constructing Futures) is a prototypical work in posthumanist ethics, but anything but aprototypical in its execution. The authors contend that the hybridization between the disciplines of philosophy, art and architecture are essential engines for change. Similarly, the book itself is constructed as a hybrid project rather than one of simple interdisciplinarity, one that hybridizes the three disciplines as co-constituting one another. The central thesis here is that constructing futures means correcting past errors as if they are causes rather than mere consequences. The past is alive, embodied and continually transforming current and future practices. Similarly, envisioned futures shape the present and affect the hermeneutics of the past. |
 | Umbrello, Steven; De Bellis, Angelo F A Value-Sensitive Design Approach to Intelligent Agents Incollection Yampolskiy, Roman V (Ed.): Artificial Intelligence Safety and Security, pp. 395–410, CRC Press, 2018, ISBN: 9780815369820. @incollection{Umbrello2018l, title = {A Value-Sensitive Design Approach to Intelligent Agents}, author = {Steven Umbrello and Angelo F {De Bellis}}, editor = {Roman V Yampolskiy}, doi = {10.13140/RG.2.2.17162.77762}, isbn = {9780815369820}, year = {2018}, date = {2018-01-01}, booktitle = {Artificial Intelligence Safety and Security}, pages = {395--410}, publisher = {CRC Press}, chapter = {26}, abstract = {This chapter proposed a novel design methodology called Value-Sensitive Design and its potential application to the field of artificial intelligence research and design. It discusses the imperatives in adopting a design philosophy that embeds values into the design of artificial agents at the early stages of AI development. Because of the high risk stakes in the unmitigated design of artificial agents, this chapter proposes that even though VSD may turn out to be a less-than-optimal design methodology, it currently provides a framework that has the potential to embed stakeholder values and incorporate current design methods. The reader should begin to take away the importance of a proactive design approach to intelligent agents}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {incollection} } This chapter proposed a novel design methodology called Value-Sensitive Design and its potential application to the field of artificial intelligence research and design. It discusses the imperatives in adopting a design philosophy that embeds values into the design of artificial agents at the early stages of AI development. Because of the high risk stakes in the unmitigated design of artificial agents, this chapter proposes that even though VSD may turn out to be a less-than-optimal design methodology, it currently provides a framework that has the potential to embed stakeholder values and incorporate current design methods. The reader should begin to take away the importance of a proactive design approach to intelligent agents |
2017 |
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| Umbrello, Steven Designing in Ethics Journal Article Prometheus: Critical Studies in Innovation, 35 (2), pp. 160–161, 2017, ISBN: 9780511844317. @article{Umbrello2018i, title = {Designing in Ethics}, author = {Steven Umbrello}, doi = {10.1017/9780511844317}, isbn = {9780511844317}, year = {2017}, date = {2017-01-01}, journal = {Prometheus: Critical Studies in Innovation}, volume = {35}, number = {2}, pages = {160--161}, abstract = {Many of our interactions in the twenty-first century - both good and bad - take place by means of institutions, technology, and artefacts. We inhabit a world of implements, instruments, devices, systems, gadgets, and infrastructures. Technology is not only something that we make, but is also something that in many ways makes us. The discipline of ethics must take this constitutive feature of institutions and technology into account; thus, ethics must in turn be embedded in our institutions and technology. The contributors to this book argue that the methodology of 'designing in ethics' - addressing and resolving the issues raised by technology through the use of appropriate technological design - is the way to achieve this integration. They apply their original methodology to a wide range of institutions and technologies, using case studies from the fields of healthcare, media and security. Their volume will be important for philosophical practitioners and theorists alike.}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } Many of our interactions in the twenty-first century - both good and bad - take place by means of institutions, technology, and artefacts. We inhabit a world of implements, instruments, devices, systems, gadgets, and infrastructures. Technology is not only something that we make, but is also something that in many ways makes us. The discipline of ethics must take this constitutive feature of institutions and technology into account; thus, ethics must in turn be embedded in our institutions and technology. The contributors to this book argue that the methodology of 'designing in ethics' - addressing and resolving the issues raised by technology through the use of appropriate technological design - is the way to achieve this integration. They apply their original methodology to a wide range of institutions and technologies, using case studies from the fields of healthcare, media and security. Their volume will be important for philosophical practitioners and theorists alike. |
 | Umbrello, Steven The Rise of Realism Journal Article International Journal of Actor-Network Theory and Technological Innovation, 9 (2), pp. 63–66, 2017, ISBN: 9781509519026. @article{Umbrello2017, title = {The Rise of Realism}, author = {Steven Umbrello}, url = {https://www.researchgate.net/publication/322964127_The_Rise_of_Realism_Reviewed_by_Steven_Umbrello}, isbn = {9781509519026}, year = {2017}, date = {2017-01-01}, journal = {International Journal of Actor-Network Theory and Technological Innovation}, volume = {9}, number = {2}, pages = {63--66}, abstract = {A new book by Manuel DeLanda and Graham Harman, The Rise of Realism, is reviewed. The Rise of Realism is an introductory text that aims to clarify the difficulties that surround the philosophical concepts of realism and materialism (as well as their antitheses). This primer intended to introduce students and interested scholars to the concepts and literature on realism and its place in the continental tradition of philosophy and related social theory. The book’s core methodology is to outline the various appropriations of the terms realism and materialism currently discussed in different sub-disciplines of philosophy as well as provide the reader with the authors’ own unique positions on realism. The book dialogue prose is stylistically engaging, lucid and academically current, providing both novice readers and seasoned scholars with an easy-to-read exploration of current continental thought that also has far-reaching implications for other disciplines such as critical theory, social theory and science and technology studies.}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } A new book by Manuel DeLanda and Graham Harman, The Rise of Realism, is reviewed. The Rise of Realism is an introductory text that aims to clarify the difficulties that surround the philosophical concepts of realism and materialism (as well as their antitheses). This primer intended to introduce students and interested scholars to the concepts and literature on realism and its place in the continental tradition of philosophy and related social theory. The book’s core methodology is to outline the various appropriations of the terms realism and materialism currently discussed in different sub-disciplines of philosophy as well as provide the reader with the authors’ own unique positions on realism. The book dialogue prose is stylistically engaging, lucid and academically current, providing both novice readers and seasoned scholars with an easy-to-read exploration of current continental thought that also has far-reaching implications for other disciplines such as critical theory, social theory and science and technology studies. |