Artificial Intelligence, Human and Society in the Context of Ulrich Beck’s Risk Society Theory

Authors : Fatih Baş

Pages : 43-59

Doi:10.51702/esoguifd.1612313

View : 159 | Download : 134

Publication Date : 2025-05-15

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :The subject of this article is to discuss the cyclical effects of artificial intelligence (AI), a man-made technological system, on human, human consciousness and society. In light of risk society theory, the article\\\'s goal is to demonstrate how artificial intelligence, a technology created by humans, can control people and society and what kinds of problems it may pose. Examining the potential interconnections between an artificial entity and consciousness and a real entity (human/society) and consciousness is the article\\\'s primary issue. Methodologically, this study adopts descriptive approach. One of the most talked-about subjects in recent years is artificial intelligence, a technological system created by humans that seeks to comprehend how human intellect works and influences action. This technological system can create code, store large amounts of data and use algorithms to generate behavior and communicate in a manner similar to that of a human. AI technology is also capable of solving issues and carrying out a variety of human tasks. In this respect, it can be said that artificial intelligence acts as an artificial existence and consciousness. The theory of risk society, put forward by Ulrich Beck, in its most general definition, is that modern humans create various risks that will threaten their own existence with the knowledge, science and technology they produce. In other words, it means that man puts himself into a network of uncertainties and risks with what he produces in the cyclical world he lives in. Artificial entities and consciousness share the human ability to be a conscious entity, use reason, and generate ideas because artificial intelligence technology produces results that are almost identical to human intellect and consciousness. Although this situation seems to make human life easier, it may carry the risk of pacifying human qualities and devaluing people. Moreover, it can establish a kind of technological hegemony by putting people and societies under the control of technological devices. In line with these evaluations, the article first deals with risk society theory from a conceptual perspective. Then the relationship between technology, human and society is discussed. Finally, the framework of risk society theory is used to analyze the potential impacts of artificial intelligence technology on human life. According to the findings obtained from the article, artificial entity and consciousness based on artificial intelligence technology may blunt the ability to use human qualities and banalize many functions that make human entity special. Moreover, as an entity with reality on the axis of reasoning, thinking and producing solutions, artificial intelligence may fill the human field with the power of alternative and much faster analysis. As a result, it was understood in the study that the human-human relationship that shapes social life may evolve into a human-technology relationship in the future.
Keywords : Din Sosyolojisi, Toplum, İnsan, Teknoloji, Yapay Zeka, Yapay Varlık, Risk Toplumu Kuramı

ORIGINAL ARTICLE URL