Big Data, AI, and the Pleasures of Engineering

Abstract

In this provocative contribution, the consequences of Big Data and AI for the engineering sciences are critically explored. Big Data and AI are characterized by intransparency and their potential to surprise. With these characteristics, however, the pleasures of designing technology vanish and the appeal of the discipline declines. Against this, it is argued for a transparent and human technology development which is joyful and also facilitates taking responsibility. The presented argument is at its core a philosophical one, motivated by the conviction that philosophy can contribute importantly to technology.