UTwente Philosophy

@utwentephilosophy.bsky.social

#Philosophy Section, University of Twente 🇳🇱 📚 MSc Philosophy of Science, Technology & Society #PSTS 🤖 Human/Technology Relations 🧪 Philosophy of Science 👀 Ethics of Technology https://www.utwente.nl/en/bms/phil #Philsky #PhilTech #PhilSci #AIEthics

University of Twente Philosophy Lectures 2025-2026 18 June 2026, 15:45-17:30, RA4237 Melis Bas Lecturer in New Media and Digital Culture, University of Amsterdam "Technopolitical Mediation: An Arendtian Approach to Political Philosophy of Technology" www.utwente.nl/en/bms/phil/...

Philosophy Colloquium Lecture - 18 June 1545-1730 - Melis Bas

18 June 2026, 15:45-17:30, RA4237 (Reception to follow, hosted by Ideefiks, in LA 2507)

utwente.nl

New article published in AI and Ethics journal by UT Philosophy PhD candidate Siri Beerends, and UT Philosophy professors Nolen Gertz and Ciano Aydin on the question of how AI, rather than becoming more human-like, is leading to humanity becoming more machine-like:

Nolen Gertz@ethicistforhire.bsky.social · 3mo ago

New article by Siri Beerends, me, and Ciano Aydin on "AI and the machinization of humans: an escape from the burdens of existence"... rdcu.be/figCE

AI and the machinization of humans: an escape from the burdens of existence
Siri Beerends · Nolen Gertz · Ciano Aydin

Abstract
Rather than creating human-like intelligence in AI, the AI field is re-defining the human in mechanistic terms, causing usto overlook a crucial inverse question: in what ways are humans and societies becoming more machine-like? In this paperwe discuss three examples of how humans are becoming more machine-like: (1) the replacement of human thought withcomputation, (2) the subjugation of art and culture to computation, and (3) the replacement of active decision-makingwith statistics-driven passive decision-making. We situate these examples in two contexts. Firstly, the cultural-historicalcontext of the machinization of humanity as described by Joseph Weizenbaum and Lewis Mumford. And secondly theexistential context of (not) coping with the burdens of the human condition as described by Nietzsche, Sartre, and Lacan.Traditionally, religion helped alleviate existential uncertainty by offering fixed notions of human nature and shiftingresponsibility for who we are to a higher power. Today, AI seems to take on a similar role by relieving us of the burdenof self-determination and not knowing what it means to be human. We end this paper by arguing why trying to overcomethe burdens of the human condition with AI is undesirable.Keywords: Artificial intelligence · Machine-like humans · Philosophy of technology · ExistentialismReceived: 1 December 2025 / Accepted: 2 April 2026© The Author(s) 2026

Alessandro gives us an insight into what the life of a 2nd year Philosophy of Science, Technology and Society (@utwentepsts.bsky.social) student looks like when graduation is approaching. Good luck, Ale! 🍀 And maybe your sign to come to our taster day at May 7? 🗓️ www.instagram.com/p/DXHaChejU9...

utwente on Instagram: "Say hello to Alessandro, a Master Philosophy of Science, Technology & Society (PSTS) student 💭As a PSTS student, they use philosop…"

Say hello to Alessandro, a Master Philosophy of Science, Technology & Society (PSTS) student 💭As a PSTS student, they use philosophical frameworks to understand and provide advise about the role of technology in our society 🤩Check out what a day in their life looks like!Do you want to find out what PSTS is like in person?Find out more on the PSTS taster day on 7 May! 😄Captions provided by Alessandro:1. We often hear people saying that "technology is neutral; it is how we use it that is morally questionable". In the PSTS programme, I combine critical thinking, technology and real-world social issues into a unique conceptual toolkit.2. Through readings, group work, assignments, and case studies, you'll carve your own perspective on scientific research, technological development and social progress. You might even discover that bridges are racist...3. I like to go every day on campus: the buildings offer all you might need to study, and some also reserve some surprises! My favourite is Langezijds. Aren't binnenplanten some perfect workmates? 4. Now that I'm working on my thesis, my day involves bibliographic research, reading, writing and drinking vast quantities of coffee. Yes, that’s in order of increasing importance. With a good view!5. The campus offers many places to go out for a walk, a break, or even for eating lunch. Lots of green, wind, and good vibes!6. With our student association Ideefiks, we organize many events to give teachers the chance to talk about funny and curious topics they enjoy, and students to live philosophy from another perspective. Yapping makes for a good day 😄7. Hobbies are crucial to keep a good work-life balance! I personally love to bake, watch movies, and go out for drinks. There is never too much free time ;) #utwente #universityoftwente #philosophyView all comments

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