Exploring Generative Frictions: A Dialogue on AI

Unpacking AI Through Dialogue: Lucy Suchman and Terry Winograd

The world of Artificial Intelligence (AI) stands at a pivotal moment in history, where technological advancements intermingle with pressing ethical concerns. To delve deeper into this increasingly complex landscape, an engaging conversation featuring renowned scholars Lucy Suchman and Terry Winograd is being organized. Both have made significant contributions to the fields of AI and human-computer interaction, and their dialogue promises to spark insights into the implications of contemporary AI developments.

The Giants of Human-Centered AI

Lucy Suchman serves as a beacon of critical thought within the Anthropology of Science and Technology. With roots as a principal scientist at Xerox’s Palo Alto Research Center, her research traverses various fields, challenging prevailing paradigms surrounding AI and human engagement. Suchman’s work extends beyond academic discourse; she has been an active participant in foundational movements such as Computer Professionals for Social Responsibility (CPSR), which she co-founded.

Suchman’s critical engagement, particularly regarding contemporary militarism and algorithmic warfare, as described in her recent articles, highlights a consistent theme: the need to scrutinize the broader ramifications of technology on society. Her published works, including Human-Machine Reconfigurations and Plans and Situated Actions, dissect the intricate interplay between humans and machines, questioning how they reshape our communication and interaction structures.

Terry Winograd, on the other hand, comes from a rich background in computer science, where he helped pave the way for human-computer interaction research. A founding member of the Hasso Plattner Institute of Design, Winograd has long advocated for a perspective that incorporates human social practices into technological development. His groundbreaking book with Fernando Flores, Understanding Computers and Cognition, marked a paradigm shift in the AI narrative, steering conversations away from pure symbol manipulation toward a recognition of the human context.

Both Suchman and Winograd have contributed to the CS community with enduring influence, pushing for an AI that is fundamentally more attuned to human behavior and needs.

A Historical Perspective: CPSR and Its Relevance Today

The formation of Computer Professionals for Social Responsibility (CPSR) in the 1980s serves as a crucial historical touchpoint, particularly when examining technology’s ethical implications during moments of socio-political unrest. The roots of CPSR originated in a time when the implications of emerging technologies were just beginning to be understood, echoing some of today’s concerns surrounding AI.

At that time, CPSR assembled computer scientists and professionals who sought to advocate for public interest in technology development. Their efforts around issues such as privacy, social justice, and ethical responsibility set a precedent for current discussions about AI governance and technology’s role in society. In today’s politically charged global landscape, CPSR’s mission has renewed significance. As AI systems become more integral to governance, policy-making, and daily life, the lessons drawn from CPSR’s historical context are invaluable.

Generative Frictions: Suchman and Winograd’s Debate

What makes the dialogue between Suchman and Winograd particularly interesting is not just the profound content of their discussions but the dynamics of their intellectual frictions. Their debates have reverberated throughout the Computer-Supported Cooperative Work (CSCW) community, illustrating how divergent perspectives can foster innovation and drive critical thinking about AI.

In their conversations, they navigate essential questions about the role of design in facilitating human interactions, the responsibilities of technologists in society, and the ethical implications of machine learning. By examining the “generative frictions” that arise from their differing viewpoints, we discern lessons on how to approach the challenges posed by AI. In a field that often seeks uniform solutions, Suchman and Winograd’s rich engagement reminds us that diversity of thought can catalyze progress.

The Moderation of New Insights: Nava Haghighi

This rich dialogue will be moderated by Nava Haghighi, a doctoral candidate at Stanford University with a specialization in human-centered AI. Haghighi’s focus on sociotechnical artifacts and ontological multiplicity aligns seamlessly with Suchman and Winograd’s explorative spirit. Her work underscores the importance of understanding how technology shapes our perceptions and realities, a theme likely to resonate deeply throughout this conversation.

As a critical technical designer, Haghighi brings to the table a fresh perspective on AI’s implications on our conceptual frameworks and societal norms. Her experience at notable institutions and her entrepreneurial endeavors, including co-founding an AI skincare company, reflect a commitment to crafting technology that prioritizes human values.

An Invitation to Engage: Join the Conversation

This upcoming event, hosted by the Stanford Institute for Human-Centered AI, aims to foster an interdisciplinary dialogue that merges insights from anthropology, computer science, and ethics. Attendees are invited to engage in a discussion that pulls from historical precedents while addressing current challenges posed by AI technologies.

After the dialogue, a reception will provide an ideal setting for networking and further exploration of the ideas shared. It’s a chance for participants to unpack the themes discussed and contemplate the future paths that AI technology should take, guided by a human-oriented ethos.

As we prepare to bear witness to this enriching exchange between Suchman, Winograd, and Haghighi, it’s essential to think critically about the technological landscape we inhabit and the collaborative efforts required to steer it toward a more equitable future.