Affect in Autonomous Artificial Systems: Interfacing Technology and Philosophy

Inspired by the latest developments in affective artificial systems, this paper is concerned with investigating the insertion of emotion in artificial intelligent systems and mapping its implications on a philosophical, political, and cultural level. This goal is primarily pursued by drawing multiple parallels between the philosophies of representation and expression that have problematized the concept of ‘emotion’ as well as between the technological and philosophical uses of the loaded concepts of ‘emotion’ and ‘affect.’ What is argued is that the affective turn in artificial systems necessitates and at the same time creates an interface between technology and philosophy, which is vital for the articulation of a viable ethics within the larger framework of late post-industrial capitalism.