Raymond Klassen – Ideals and Identities

In a world where futurists raise alarms about the impending domination of artificial intelligence, they might be looking in the wrong direction. The real threat, the one already ensnaring humanity in its grasp, isn’t a future AI but rather an artificial intelligence embodied in Mass Society that’s been evolving for centuries: the Corporation. Stephen Hawking cautioned that unchecked AI development might lead to catastrophic consequences, while Elon Musk is actively working to preempt any existential threat posed by AI.

Their fears stem from the prospect of creating a force more powerful and totalizing than humanity itself, one that lacks empathy and could pursue goals detrimental to human well-being. This apprehension is not unfounded, but what these visionaries may overlook is that humanity has already unleashed … the Corporation. Corporations, once conceived with seemingly benign intentions, have evolved into juggernauts with agendas that often-run counter to human interests. Originally established to mitigate investor risk, corporations have morphed into entities with insatiable appetites for profit, regardless of the human or environmental costs.

From their humble beginnings in the seventeenth century to their modern-day omnipresence, corporations have methodically entrenched themselves as the dominant global force. Bolstered by legal constructs that afford them the entitlements of individuals but none of the moral obligations, corporations have transcended national boundaries to become supranational entities wielding unprecedented power.

Much like a runaway AI, corporations operate with a single-minded focus on maximizing returns for shareholders, heedless of the consequences for humanity or the planet. Their influence permeates every aspect of modern life, from shaping consumer behavior to dictating governmental policies.

The consequences of this corporate hegemony are dire. Nature is plundered to fuel the relentless pursuit of profit, while communities are left to bear the brunt of environmental degradation and social inequality. The commodification of life itself, exemplified by Nestlé’s exploitation of groundwater resources, underscores the extent to which corporations prioritize profit over human welfare. Moreover, corporations have insinuated themselves into the highest echelons of global governance, manipulating international agreements to further their interests at the expense of humanity. Whether it’s lobbying for lax environmental regulations or co-opting UN initiatives, corporations have subverted democratic processes to serve their bottom line.

Yet, amidst this corporate dystopia, glimmers of hope emerge. Worker-owned cooperatives and socially responsible businesses offer alternative models that prioritize human well-being over profit maximization. Initiatives like B-Corp certification demonstrate that it’s possible to align corporate interests with social and environmental goals.

To truly counter the pernicious influence of corporations, however, systemic changes are needed. Governments must reassert control over corporate entities, enacting regulations that hold them accountable for their actions. Corporate charters should be amended to reflect a triple bottom line, ensuring that social and environmental considerations are integral to business operations.

In envisioning a future where corporations serve as stewards of human welfare rather than its adversaries, we confront the legacy of a decision made centuries ago. The rise of the Corporation, once hailed as a triumph of economic innovation, now looms as a threat to humanity’s very existence. If we are to avert disaster, we must reclaim control over the artificial intelligence we’ve unwittingly unleashed upon the world.

Moreover, corporations have insinuated themselves into the highest echelons of global governance, manipulating international agreements to further their interests at the expense of humanity. This phenomenon mirrors the idea of the avatar that in the age of mass reproduction, the human person and history become commodities manipulated by those in power. At the public level, whether it’s lobbying for lax environmental regulations or co-opting UN initiatives, corporations have subverted democratic processes to serve their bottom line. But also, privately, the human person herself has become hidden from view.

Rediscovering Common Sense: A Path to Authenticity

In Hannah Arendt’s exploration of the crisis in culture, she underscores the indispensable role of common sense in navigating the complexities of the modern world. In her essay “The Crisis in Culture,” Arendt emphasizes the importance of common sense in discerning the nature of our shared reality. She posits that common sense allows us to perceive the world not merely through individual, subjective lenses but through a collective, intersubjective understanding. Arendt contends that judgment, as the activity of sharing the world with others, lies at the heart of this common sense. It is through the engagement of diverse perspectives and the exercise of judgment that we can reclaim our agency in a world increasingly dominated by corporate interests.

The worry articulated in my previously discussed AI and April Fool’s Day underscores the insidious influence of mass society in fostering inauthenticity. Mass society, driven by the agenda of corporations, promotes conformity and homogenization at the expense of individual autonomy and genuine human connection. The infrastructure of mass society, epitomized by the corporation, thrives on a culture of consumerism and superficiality, perpetuating a cycle of alienation and disenchantment. In this context, the quest for authenticity becomes an act of resistance—an assertion of human dignity and autonomy against the dehumanizing forces of mass society.

To counteract the pervasive influence of corporations and reclaim our authentic selves, we must cultivate a renewed appreciation for common sense and judgment. By engaging in critical dialogue and embracing our plurality, we can transcend the confines of mass society and rediscover our shared humanity. Authenticity, rooted in genuine connection and meaningful engagement, serves as a bulwark against the totalitarian objectives of the corporation. As individuals, we possess the power to reclaim our agency and reshape the narrative of mass society, forging a path towards a more authentic and human-centered world.

Conclusion: Charting a Path Forward

In confronting the existential threats posed by corporations and AI, we are called upon to confront the crisis of authenticity that pervades mass society. By embracing the principles of common sense and judgment, we can resist the homogenizing forces of mass society and reclaim our agency as individuals. Through authentic engagement and genuine connection, we have the power to challenge the hegemony of corporations and forge a new path towards a more humane and sustainable future. Let us seize this opportunity to reclaim our humanity and shape a world that reflects our shared values and aspirations.