Local Disturbances

In this episode of Local Disturbances titled "AI in the Wild," host Jerrold McGrath delves into the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in reshaping our interactions with the world. We explore the awe-inspiring capabilities of conversational agents like ChatGPT and GPT-4, which demonstrate an ability to mediate among various systems, thereby challenging institutional logics and expectations. Drawing inspiration from Ivan Illich's critique of institutionalized systems, we discuss how AI can enable personal autonomy and novel aesthetic experiences by decentralizing institutional control.

The episode highlights significant innovations, such as the creation of APIs based on large language models, allowing for seamless communication between software applications and enabling human-like interactions. We reflect on the concerns and potentials of AI in personalizing interactions and fostering human values, emphasizing the importance of AI agents that can adapt to diverse linguistic and cultural contexts.

Through engaging discussions and thoughtful insights, we invite listeners to consider a future where AI not only enhances productivity but also enriches human relationships and aesthetic experiences, advocating for a balanced approach to AI development that prioritizes human values and connectivity.

Produced by Kasra Goodarznezhad

Words by Jerrold McGrath

Sound by Koohyar Habibi

In this episode, we continue our exploration of approaches to representing algorithmic systems. Specifically, we draw on Mikhail Bakhtin's ideas of novelization as a means of perceiving and working with AI in artistic creation.

Two specific initiatives are referenced as inspirations in this work: Forensic Architecture and the Hart Island Project.

Sound by Koohyar Habibi

Produced by Kasra Goodarznezhad

Words by Jerrold McGrath

In this episode, we dive deep into the exploration of sociotechnical systems through creative and novelistic approaches.

We reflect on the various invisible and visible forces that shape our perceptions and interactions with the world, touching on themes from Fernando Pessoa’s critique of social fictions to C. Thi Nguyen's concept of "agential distance," which examines the constraints imposed on us by societal systems. The episode also addresses the impact of algorithmic systems, like automated cash registers and transit systems, on our daily lives and social interactions, showcasing both the advantages and the isolating effects of these technologies.

A significant portion of the discussion is devoted to the potential of literature, specifically novels, to provide a richer, more nuanced understanding of sociotechnical systems. We cite examples from classic and contemporary literature, including Cervantes's "Don Quixote" and Kazuo Ishiguro's "Klara and the Sun," to illustrate how novels can create immersive worlds that reflect and interrogate our lived realities.

Finally, we outline an approach for future research funded by the Canada Council for the Arts, aiming to use novelistic insights to frame and understand artificial intelligence and other cognitive technologies. This approach seeks to foster a broader, more inclusive dialogue about technology's role in society, beyond conventional ideological narratives.

Produced by Kasra Goodarznezhad

Sound by Koohyar Habibi

Words by Jerrold McGrath

In this episode of Local Disturbances, author Jerrold McGrath delves into the themes and personal experiences surrounding his book, "In Praise of Disorder." Jerrold shares the anxiety and relief of publishing a book that took three years to complete, discussing the inspiration behind the 256-page work and his collaboration with artist Nour Bishouty and editor Richard Martin. He reflects on his decision to avoid mainstream publishing routes, highlighting the book’s critique of artificial intelligence and modern society’s obsession with order. The episode further explores Jerry's thoughts on cultural continuity, as influenced by thinkers like José Ortega y Gasset and Ivan Illich, and his own unconventional life choices away from corporate dependencies. Jerry’s narrative is enriched by insights into the "practice of disorder" and his personal vulnerabilities in promoting his work. Join us for a profound exploration of embracing uncertainty and challenging societal norms.

Sound by Koohyar Habibi

Produced by Kasra Goodarznezhad

Words by Jerrold McGrath

In this episode of Local Disturbances we delve into the complexities of AI development, language modelling, and the exploration of different historical and cultural perspectives. The team at UKAI is pushing the boundaries by attempting to train AI bots on specific historical periods, aiming to bridge the gap between literature, culture, and AI.

Our focus lies on the transition from Medieval to Renaissance thought in 16th century Western Europe, a pivotal period that birthed the modern novel. By training language models on this narrow cosmology, we hoped to offer audiences a unique window into historical ways of knowing the world.

However, our technical choices have posed challenges. While symbolic AI allows for the introduction of high-level rules and representations, we are working with deep learning approaches. Despite our efforts, the resulting AI-generated text, while intriguing, lacked evidence of tapping into the deeper layers of ancient collective thought.

The discussion touches upon how language and perception are intertwined, drawing parallels between linguistic shifts and changes in environmental awareness. Just as languages evolve to reflect our surroundings, so too do our conceptual metaphors evolve to explain our experiences.

The conversation delves into the notion of chronotypes, or perceived architectures of time and space, as described by Mikhail Bakhtin. Different historical periods embody distinct chronotypes, shaping the narratives and stories of their time.

The episode also explores the concept of the road as a chronotope, highlighting how modern transportation has shifted our perception of space and time. Through literature and language modelling, the team aims to capture and explore these diverse chronotypes, offering insights into alternative ways of understanding reality.

Yet, the challenge remains in reconciling these diverse perspectives with the underlying assumptions of modernity embedded within AI systems. Despite progress, the subsoil of ancient collective thought remains elusive, challenging the very foundations of AI development.

As the episode concludes, it prompts us to question the limitations of synthetic language and the need to explore alternative approaches to modelling reality. In a world dominated by large language models, the quest for new conceptual metaphors and diverse perspectives becomes ever more crucial.

Produced by Kasra Goodarznezhad

Sound by Koohyar Habibi

Words by Jerrold McGrath

In this episode, we delve into the ubiquitous presence of plastic in our lives, tracing its explosive growth from the mid-20th century and examining its profound impact on both human and ecological health. We reflect on the staggering production of plastic, its role in shaping modern lifestyles, and the emerging concerns over its long-term effects. Transitioning from the tangible to the intangible, the discussion shifts to the advent of synthetic language and its parallels with the proliferation of plastic. We explore the cultural and artistic ramifications of large language models like ChatGPT, pondering the future of language, communication, and creativity in a world increasingly mediated by artificial intelligence. Through a critical lens, we question the implications of relying on synthetic language for artistic expression and cultural evolution, highlighting the potential risks and opportunities. This episode not only sheds light on the material and linguistic landscapes that define our current epoch but also invites listeners to contemplate the choices that will shape our future. Join us for a thought-provoking journey through the realms of material and language, examining the intersections of technology, culture, and the environment.

Sound by Koohyar Habibi

Produced by Kasra Goodarznezhad

Words by Jerrold McGrath

In this episode, we delve deep into the complexities of language and artificial intelligence, exploring themes that challenge our conventional approaches to AI development. At a time when large language models like ChatGPT and GPT-4 are under the spotlight, we address the contentious debate surrounding digital art generated from natural language prompts, urging for a more nuanced dialogue that transcends the polarizing platforms hosting these discussions.

We spotlight an insightful article by Benjamin Bratton and Blaise Agüera y Arcas in Noema, advocating for the development of new languages to navigate the philosophy of artificial intelligence. This call for a refined vocabulary aims to embrace the 'weirdness' of AI, moving beyond simplistic narratives to a more embodied understanding of AI's interaction with language.

The episode critiques the current framework for representing language in AI, arguing that it too often prefers abstract analysis over engaging with the 'embodied existence' of subjects. Drawing on James C. Scott's "Seeing Like a State," we explore the nature of language as a dynamic, communal creation that resists authoritarian control, highlighting the limitations of synthetic language in capturing the nuanced, ever-evolving context of human communication.

We also introduce the concept of 'double voicedness,' as discussed by Mikhail Bakhtin, to illustrate the complexity of language reuse and interpretation. This idea underscores the challenge for AI in understanding the multifaceted nature of human speech, including parody and stylization, which are rich in cultural and contextual significance.

Through a series of thoughtful discussions and examples, this episode invites listeners to consider the profound implications of AI on language and communication, encouraging feedback and further dialogue on how we might navigate the future of AI with greater sensitivity and creativity.

Sound by Koohyar Habibi

Produced by Kasra Goodarznezhad

Words by Jerrold McGrath

In this episode of Local Disturbances, we delve into the experiences and insights gained from our recent visit to the UK in December of 2022. We discuss our participation in various activities, including a talk at the University of the Arts London, meetings, and notably, a workshop for our Restructuring Futures project. This project, developed in partnership with the Laboratory for Artistic Intelligence and Hypha Engineering Co-op, focuses on building infrastructure for creative and cultural collaboration that can withstand volatile conditions, such as climate change and rising authoritarianism. Our time in London also included a meaningful engagement in artist paula roush's space in Woolwich, where we explored the potential of art and infrastructure in fostering resilient communities.

We share our reflections on the role of art in contemporary society, highlighting the importance of cultural recovery through ritual forms and the potential of art to serve as a stabilizing force in an increasingly unstable world. The episode touches on the challenges facing the institutionalized art world, including the impact of NFTs and AI on artistic creation, and the necessity for the art sector to adapt to the demands of a neo-liberal ecology.

Our discussions in London led to exploring digital and material infrastructures that could emerge from the current socio-political and ecological disturbances. We emphasize the need for care, generosity, and decentralized systems in designing a future resilient to these challenges. The episode concludes with an invitation to our listeners to engage with us in imagining and constructing restructured futures through workshops and conversations, aiming to integrate art and infrastructure in meaningful ways.

Sound by Koohyar Habibi

Produced by Kasra Goodarznezhad

Words by Jerrold McGrath

In this episode, we delve into the complexities of language evolution, the impact of hegemonic language in culture, and the unique ways communities around the globe respond to and contest these norms through the creation of new forms of language and symbols. Highlighting the dynamic nature of language, we explore the creation of coded communication by migrant workers in the early 20th century and question what modern equivalents might exist today. The episode further examines the dominance of Western ideas of rationality, especially in discussions around AI and its ethical implications, suggesting a narrow interpretation of reality and meaning.

We follow an ambitious project led by the host, commissioning community artists in Beijing, Dzaleka, and Cairo to produce works that respond to the cultural implications of AI, highlighting the diversity in understanding and engagement with technology across different cultures. Through site selection, residency delivery, and engaging diasporic responses, this initiative faced challenges such as financial restrictions, logistical hurdles, and cultural misunderstandings, ultimately leading to a rich collection of artistic expressions that defy easy interpretation.

Significant findings from the project include the incorrect assumption that surveillance would dominate themes in Dzaleka, the surprising recurrence of alien abduction motifs, and the realization that symbolic systems are deeply rooted in specific cultural imaginaries, making them difficult to interpret without context. The episode emphasizes the desire to impose order on language and ideas, paralleling this instinct with the rigidity in AI usage and understanding, which could limit our exploratory paths and amplify faults in our systems.

The episode wraps up with reflections on the project's intention to commission works that resist straightforward interpretation, underscoring the value of embracing ambiguity and the rich discussions that emerge from attempting to understand the unfamiliar. Through engaging with artists and cultural interpretations, the project highlights the importance of resisting the urge to translate everything into familiar frameworks, inviting listeners to appreciate the complexity and diversity of global perspectives on AI and language.

Words by Jerrold McGrath

Sound by Koohyar Habibi

Produced by Kasra Goodarznezhad

In this episode of "Local Disturbances," the team delves into the complexities of navigating our rapidly changing social and cultural landscapes, marked by the rise of automated and algorithmic systems. Amidst their own anxieties about broadcasting half-formed thoughts to a growing audience, we explore the profound alterations in our interaction with the environment and each other, driven by technological advancements and capitalist demands. The episode critically examines how the erosion of language and knowledge connected to natural landscapes parallels the challenges we face in articulating and responding to the invisible terrains shaped by AI and algorithms. Through a thoughtful investigation into how arts and collective action can serve as tools to resist autocratic control and foster new forms of subjectivity, "Local Disturbances" invites listeners to consider the importance of developing a nuanced language and awareness to navigate and transform these algorithmic landscapes. The team emphasizes the role of creativity in identifying life-affirming spaces within these new environments and in visualizing alternative values and relationships that defy optimization and objectification.

Sound by Koohyar Habibi

Produced by Kasra Goodarznezhad

Words by Jerrold McGrath