The decision to integrate and deploy data-based enhanced advanced military weapon systems as a military solution by the US military is inspected more closely. In order to narrow the scope, this work will focus on narratives of hypothetical and counterfactual nature, drawing on a cultural scientific theory of decision-making. Whereas hypothetical narratives leverage consequences of decisions, counterfactuals focus on the contingent nature of decisions by highlighting not-selected alternatives within the decision-making process and their potential outcomes. Within the field of data-based technology, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the decision making surrounding the technology, both hypothetical future scenarios and their counterfactual counterparts can be identified. While hypotheticals focus on anticipating future developments of a technology with unclear capabilities, counterfactual narratives are used to fix shortcomings in the past by providing a seemingly universally applicable solution. Both narratives create distorted impressions of the usefulness and prowess of Artificial Intelligence.
Counterfactual and hypothetical narratives justifying the decision by the US military to deploy data-based technology will be examined from a standpoint of cultural-scientific analysis of decision-making. The integration of these technologies into the realm of warfare was initiated under a unique constellation of social and political structures that are intertwined with the decision-making process. Investigating the circumstances in which a decision was made will enable the examination of narratives that justify the decision. The decision to implement a technology should be supported by a strategic necessity. It also ought to be preceded by establishing sufficient infrastructure to and enable the technology to fulfil its intended role. Moreover, narratives justifying the decision are meant to ward off criticism of blindly integrating AI into military applications. By providing exemplary criticism detailing possible consequences of the decision in warfare, the validity of narratives defending the decision is questioned. These referenced phenomena detail how civilians and non-combatants are increasingly put at risk and expose loopholes that could be used to violate International Human Law while avoiding direct responsibility for one’s actions.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- Practices of decision making
- Historic Context
- Terminology
- 1st Counterfactual: fewer civilian casualties
- Reinvention of accuracy
- Dual Use
- System Destruction Warfare
- 2nd Counterfactual: Safeguard and policy
- International Ban problems
- Human Meaningful Control
- 3rd counterfactual: No defiance
- Decorporealizing of state power
- Air Power
- Transition to Hypotheticals
- 1st Hypothetical: adversarial Al on the battlefield
- Command and Control
- Adversarial Al Development
- 2nd Hypothetical: long-term commitment
- Shortcomings
- No backing out
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper analyzes the narratives surrounding the US military's decision to deploy data-based military technology, focusing on counterfactual and hypothetical justifications. It examines how these narratives shape perceptions of the technology's effectiveness and address criticisms regarding its implications. The analysis uses a cultural-scientific perspective on decision-making to understand the context and motivations behind these narratives.
- Counterfactual narratives justifying the use of data-based military technology.
- Hypothetical narratives shaping future expectations of warfare using AI.
- The role of the "Global War on Terror" in shaping the adoption of this technology.
- Ethical implications of autonomous weapons systems and the lack of clear definitions.
- Critical analysis of the justifications for deploying data-based military technology.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
Introduction: The introduction establishes the paper's focus on examining counterfactual and hypothetical narratives used to justify the US military's adoption of data-based military technologies. It highlights the cultural-scientific approach to understanding decision-making processes behind the integration of AI and other advanced technologies into warfare. The introduction also briefly touches upon the historical context of the "Global War on Terror" and its influence on the development and deployment of these technologies, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of the main arguments and themes in the following chapters.
Practices of decision making: This chapter would delve into the theoretical framework of decision-making processes within the US military concerning the adoption of new technologies. It would likely examine the various stakeholders involved, the bureaucratic procedures, and the influence of political and strategic considerations on the final decision. The chapter would likely explore models of decision-making and how they might relate to the specific case of data-based military technology.
Historic Context: This chapter analyzes the historical context surrounding the decision to adopt data-based military technologies. It would likely focus on the "Global War on Terror" and its unique challenges, including the difficulties in distinguishing combatants from non-combatants, resulting in high civilian casualties. This chapter would explain how these challenges drove the need for improved intelligence gathering and analysis, paving the way for the adoption of data-based technologies to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of military operations. The chapter might discuss the limitations of traditional methods and the perceived advantages of AI-driven solutions.
Terminology: This chapter would likely define key terms and concepts related to data-based military technologies, AI, and autonomous weapons systems. It would establish a common understanding of terminology crucial to understanding the subsequent analysis of counterfactual and hypothetical narratives.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main topic of this document?
This document provides a language preview of an academic paper analyzing narratives surrounding the US military's decision to deploy data-based military technology, focusing on counterfactual and hypothetical justifications.
What are the key themes explored in this paper?
The key themes include counterfactual narratives justifying the technology's use, hypothetical narratives shaping future warfare expectations with AI, the "Global War on Terror's" influence, ethical implications of autonomous weapons, and a critical analysis of justifications for deploying data-based military technology.
What are counterfactual narratives in this context?
Counterfactual narratives refer to arguments that attempt to justify the use of data-based military technology by suggesting what would have happened had the technology not been used (e.g., more civilian casualties).
What are hypothetical narratives in this context?
Hypothetical narratives refer to arguments that describe potential future scenarios of warfare using AI, often used to shape expectations and justify further development and deployment of such technologies.
How does the "Global War on Terror" relate to this topic?
The "Global War on Terror" is presented as a historical context that influenced the adoption of data-based military technologies due to challenges like distinguishing combatants from non-combatants and the perceived need for improved intelligence gathering.
What ethical concerns are raised about autonomous weapons systems?
The document mentions ethical implications of autonomous weapons systems, particularly related to the lack of clear definitions and potential for unintended consequences.
What does the chapter on "Practices of decision making" cover?
This chapter delves into the theoretical framework of decision-making processes within the US military regarding the adoption of new technologies, including stakeholders, procedures, and the influence of political and strategic considerations.
What does the chapter on "Terminology" cover?
This chapter defines key terms and concepts related to data-based military technologies, AI, and autonomous weapons systems to establish a common understanding for the subsequent analysis.
What are some of the subtopics covered in the first counterfactual section?
The subtopics in the first counterfactual section are "Reinvention of accuracy" and "Dual Use," related to the argument that the technology reduces civilian casualties.
What are some of the subtopics covered in the System Destruction Warfare section?
The subtopics include a second counterfactual related to safeguard and policy, international ban problems, and human meaningful control.
- Quote paper
- Timotheus Meiß (Author), 2024, AI Killing in the Name of Past and Future. Identifying Counterfactual and Hypothetical Narratives Justifying the Decision to Deploy Data-Based Military Technology by the US Military, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1561299
