Technology
Historian Jill Lepore explores the 'Artificial State' and Silicon Valley's misreading of science fiction
In her new book, Lepore argues that corporate-run systems are eroding democratic governance, while pointing to growing local resistance against AI data centers.
The short version
- Historian Jill Lepore released a new book, 'The Rise and Fall of the Artificial State', examining how corporate-owned machines and artificial intelligence are replacing democratic governance.
- Lepore argues that Silicon Valley tech leaders misinterpret science fiction by focusing on 1950s libertarian narratives rather than cautionary tales about corporate power and environmental destruction.
- A growing pushback is emerging at the local level, where communities are resisting the construction of massive AI data centers through political action and local primaries.
Key facts
- Historian Jill Lepore published a new nonfiction book titled 'The Rise and Fall of the Artificial State' on August 25.[Scientific American]
- Lepore defines the 'Artificial State' as a reality where corporate-owned machines govern individuals without their democratic consent, shifting power to unelected leaders.[Scientific American]
- The roots of this shift trace back to a libertarian ethos emerging from Silicon Valley in the late 20th century, which has transitioned from an unregulated internet into social media and AI.[Scientific American]
- Lepore contends that tech executives misread science fiction by favoring 1950s rocket-and-robot libertarian tropes from authors like Robert Heinlein while ignoring the work of Ursula K. Le Guin, Octavia Butler, and Ted Chiang.[Scientific American]
- Voters across the political spectrum have begun pushing back against pro-data center politicians in U.S. political primaries, rejecting officials who approve massive facilities designed to support AI.[Scientific American]
What remains uncertain
- Whether local resistance to AI data centers marks a permanent 'fall' of the Artificial State or merely a temporary hurdle remains to be seen.[Scientific American]
Sources
- Jill Lepore on why Silicon Valley gets science fiction wrongScientific American metered