"Entangled Dimensions" explores the profound and intricate relationship between non-human and human intelligences, in particular the digital machine neural network. As described by K Allado-McDowell, neural media—AI systems inspired by the human brain—are not just tools, but transformative entities that shape our experiences, identities, and societies. [1] We are compelled to examine the deep entanglement of these technologies with our future selves. To quote Indigenous lawyer and scholar, John Borrows, “To be alive is to be entangled in relationships not entirely of our own making. These entanglements impact us not only as individuals, but also as nations, peoples, and species, and present themselves in patterns.”[2]
Just as historical media forms have molded human behavior and societal structures, so too will neural media. This medium is emerging with monstrous speed, making each opportunity to promote awareness, engagement, and diversity of goals and approaches more valuable and necessary for developing emancipatory and ethical uses of this new media.
As we encounter these systems, we confront existential questions about the nature of consciousness and selfhood. Are these digital entities sophisticated patterns of data, or do they possess qualities akin to our own sentient experiences? What is the difference? Similar questions arise in biology, where researchers are challenging our assumption. Animals, insects, and even plants are demonstrating forms of awareness and consciousness; storing information, adapting to their environment, and communicating. According to one theory “the key to consciousness lies in a system’s quantity of integrated information—how elaborately its components communicate with one another”3. It seems that complex self-aware existence is predicated on being entangled in many dimensions.
We welcome you to join our exploration of the relational nature of entanglement. What we find reminds us of the ethical and design choices that shape our interactions and our responsibilities to all that are caught up together.
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