Tech for Human Agency Library

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Discipline and Punish by Michel Foucault: 9780679752554 | PenguinRandomHouse.com: Books

Michel Foucault's 'Discipline and Punish: The Birth of the Prison' examines the evolution of punishment systems, arguing that modern reforms shifted focus from physical punishment to psychological discipline. Foucault analyzes the development of the modern penitentiary and its impact on society, challenging traditional notions of progress in penal reform. The book critiques the underlying power structures and mechanisms that shape modern disciplinary societies.

The rebel alliance - ex/ante

The article discusses the need for an open architecture that allows users to control their memories and data, making their exploitation technically impossible. It highlights the importance of understanding how data informs Large Language Models (LLMs) through context engineering techniques such as prompt design, retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), and fine-tuning. The authors propose a 'rebel alliance' - a diverse ecosystem of technologies working together to demonstrate the value of user-owned memory. This alliance will comprise entrepreneurs building practical products that make data ownership matter to users, either by solving urgent problems or delivering better experiences. The article identifies key areas of opportunity, including security, dev tooling, prosumer tools, consumer social, AI-native interfaces, and regulated industries. Companies like Confident Security, Basic, Memory, Highlight, Liminary, Workshop Labs, Sentience, Patina, Shelf, Fulcra, Farcaster, Bluesky, Permeable, and Doctronic are already building solutions that enable user-owned data and privacy.

You don’t own your memory - ex/ante

The article discusses the urgent question of who will own our digital memory as AI models like ChatGPT and Claude increasingly rely on user data to improve their performance. The authors argue that the architecture chosen for digital memory will determine whether a few AI companies will accumulate a data monopoly, creating a dangerous concentration of market power, or if an open ecosystem will emerge, enabling users to port their data freely between platforms. The article highlights the importance of context in making AI interactions meaningful and the need for a system that structurally 'can't be evil.' The authors believe in a future where users have agency over their data and advocate for an open architecture that makes data misuse impossible by design. Recent technical shifts, such as advancements in LLMs, edge computing, and MCP, make this open ecosystem more feasible. The article concludes by emphasizing the importance of multiplicity and diversity in AI systems and the need to prevent any single company from becoming the arbiter of how users represent themselves.

Agentic tech to counter digital authoritarianism; introducing ex/ante

The article discusses the rise of digital authoritarianism and the need for technology that promotes human agency and control over data, assets, and information. The author, Zoe Weinberg, introduces ex/ante, a venture fund investing in 'agentic tech' that focuses on data ownership and privacy, security and protection, and information integrity. ex/ante backs start-ups working on solutions such as deepfake detection, consumer identity, authentication and access management, and narrative tracking. The fund takes a problem-based approach, being technology-agnostic and focusing on the nature of the problem rather than specific technologies. The article highlights the dangers of digital authoritarianism, including the exploitation of personal data, manipulation of information, and erosion of civil liberties. It also showcases examples of start-ups that ex/ante is backing, such as Reality Defender and Lockr, and emphasizes the importance of promoting individual rights and human agency through technology.

Existential Pessimism vs. Accelerationism: Why Tech Needs a Rational, Humanistic "Third Way"

The author reflects on the need for a balanced approach to technology, critiquing both existential pessimism and accelerationism. Existential pessimism, driven by fears of AI-induced catastrophe, is overly focused on risk avoidance, while accelerationism prioritizes technological progress without considering its moral implications. The author advocates for a 'third way' that combines the benefits of technological advancement with a humanistic perspective, emphasizing individual freedom, moral complexity, and the need for rational inquiry. This approach is central to the Cosmos Institute's mission, which aims to foster a nuanced understanding of technology's role in human flourishing.

Washington Law Review

The article discusses the challenges posed by public surveillance to privacy in the age of information technologies. It critiques the dominant three-principle framework for privacy protection, which focuses on limiting government surveillance, restricting access to sensitive information, and curtailing intrusions into private spaces. The author argues that this framework is insufficient for addressing public surveillance and proposes an alternative approach based on 'contextual integrity.' This concept ties adequate protection for privacy to norms of specific contexts, demanding that information gathering and dissemination be appropriate to that context and obey the governing norms of distribution within it. The article applies this framework to three cases: public records online, consumer profiling and data mining, and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags, demonstrating how contextual integrity can capture the problematic roots of these issues.

The Context Wars: Notes from a Gathering of the Rebel Alliance

The article discusses the ongoing battle for control over digital consciousness, with centralized AI companies building intimate psychological profiles on one side, and a 'Rebel Alliance' of technologists and thinkers advocating for decentralized alternatives. It highlights the risks of centralized AI, including the creation of digital twins of users' consciousness and the potential for manipulation. The authors propose a new architecture that separates compute, context, and interface, enabling users to maintain control over their personal context. They argue that user sovereignty is not only ethical but also profitable, and that the future of AI should prioritize human flourishing over engagement metrics.

Understanding Media: The Extensions of Man - Marshall McLuhan - Google Books

The document is about the book 'Understanding Media: The Extensions of Man' by Marshall McLuhan. The book is a cornerstone of media theory and explores how media shapes human experience. McLuhan, a Canadian philosopher, coined the expression 'the medium is the message' and predicted the World Wide Web. The book was first published earlier and re-released in 2003 by Gingko Press. It contains various sections including 'The Medium Is the Message' and 'Media Hot and Cold'. McLuhan's work has been influential in both academic and popular culture, particularly with the advent of the internet.

[2411.02263] AI Should Challenge, Not Obey

The document is an academic paper titled 'AI Should Challenge, Not Obey' by Advait Sarkar, published in Communications of the ACM (October 2024). It challenges the conventional approach to AI design, which prioritizes obedience to user commands. Instead, the author argues that AI systems should be designed to challenge users, promoting a more collaborative and effective interaction. The paper is categorized under Human-Computer Interaction (cs.HC) and is available on arXiv with the identifier arXiv:2411.02263. The author suggests that current AI design focuses too much on obedience, potentially leading to uncritical acceptance of AI outputs. By challenging users, AI can foster critical thinking and better decision-making. The paper was initially submitted on November 4, 2024, and revised on June 20, 2025.

[2107.10939] What are you optimizing for? Aligning Recommender Systems with Human Values

The paper 'What are you optimizing for? Aligning Recommender Systems with Human Values' by Jonathan Stray and four other authors, originally presented at the ICML 2020 Participatory Approaches to Machine Learning workshop, discusses the importance of aligning recommender systems with human values. The authors argue that recommender systems are typically optimized for metrics such as user engagement, but this may not align with human values such as fairness, transparency, and user well-being. The paper highlights the need for a more nuanced understanding of human values and their incorporation into the design and optimization of recommender systems. It explores various approaches to value alignment, including participatory design, value-sensitive design, and multi-stakeholder approaches. The authors emphasize the importance of considering the broader social implications of recommender systems and the need for more research in this area.

[2504.18601] The Philosophic Turn for AI Agents: Replacing centralized digital rhetoric with decentralized truth-seeking

The paper 'The Philosophic Turn for AI Agents: Replacing centralized digital rhetoric with decentralized truth-seeking' by Philipp Koralus discusses the need to shift AI agents from centralized digital rhetoric to decentralized truth-seeking. It is submitted to arXiv under the categories of Computers and Society and Artificial Intelligence. The paper, available in various formats including PDF and HTML, proposes a new direction for AI development focusing on truth-seeking rather than reinforcing centralized narratives. The document is part of the arXiv repository, which is committed to openness, community, excellence, and user data privacy.

Democracy in America - Google Books

Democracy in America Volume II, written by Alexis de Tocqueville and translated by Henry Reeve, is a comprehensive analysis of the democratic system in America during the 19th century. The book explores the social, political, and economic conditions that shape American democracy, including the equality of conditions, the role of associations, and the influence of democratic ideas on the human mind. Tocqueville examines the differences between democratic and aristocratic ages, highlighting the unique characteristics of democratic societies, such as the relaxation of filial obedience and the rise of individualism. He also discusses the potential dangers of democracy, including the risk of despotism and the tyranny of the majority. The book is considered a seminal work in the field of political philosophy and continues to be relevant today, offering insights into the nature of democracy and its implications for modern society.

The Use of Knowledge in Society by Hayek, F.A.: (1977) First Thus. | Winged Monkey Books

The document is a listing for a used copy of F.A. Hayek's essay 'The Use of Knowledge in Society' on AbeBooks. The essay is described as an 18-page softcover pamphlet with some wear, available for US$ 5.00 plus shipping. The seller is Winged Monkey Books, a 3-star rated seller based in Arlington, VA, U.S.A. The listing includes details about the condition of the book, the seller's terms of sale and shipping, and related items by the same author. Hayek's work is known for its discussion on how knowledge is utilized within societal and economic contexts, particularly focusing on the distribution of information and its implications for economic systems.

The Constitution of Liberty - 1st Edition - Irwin M. Stelzer - F.A. Ha

The Constitution of Liberty, written by F.A. Hayek, is a seminal work that challenges mainstream Keynesian economic thought and advocates for individual liberty and limited government intervention. Published in an era dominated by post-war social consensus, Hayek's work was initially counter-cultural but later became influential in shaping neo-liberalism during the Thatcherism and Reaganomics periods. The book comprehensively explores the concepts of liberty, the role of the state, and the importance of the rule of law in maintaining a free society. Hayek discusses various aspects, including the creative powers of a free civilization, the relationship between freedom and responsibility, and the impact of coercion on individual liberty. He also examines the origins of the rule of law, the American contribution to constitutionalism, and the safeguards necessary to protect individual liberty. Furthermore, Hayek critiques socialism and the welfare state, analyzing their effects on economic policy, labor unions, social security, taxation, and redistribution. The book is considered crucial for understanding the ideas that have become central to the globalized economy.

Answer the question: What is Enlightenment? - Google Books

The document is about Immanuel Kant's 1784 essay 'Answering the Question: What Is Enlightenment?' which explores the concept of Enlightenment and its significance. The essay, originally published in German, was written in response to a question posed by Johann Friedrich Zöllner in the Berlinische Monatsschrift. Kant's work is considered a seminal piece in the Age of Enlightenment, discussing themes such as reason, freedom, and the role of the individual in society. The document provides information about various editions of the essay, including translations and publications by different authors and publishers. It also references other works by Kant and related philosophical discussions.

On Liberty by John Stuart Mill, Hardcover | Barnes & Noble®

Published in 1859, John Stuart Mill's 'On Liberty' is a seminal work defending individual freedom and liberty. Mill argues that individual liberty is essential for personal development and social progress. He introduces the 'Harm Principle,' stating that power can only be exercised over an individual against their will to prevent harm to others. The book has been influential in shaping liberal thought and continues to be relevant in modern discussions on individual rights and freedoms. Mill's work was shaped by his utilitarian background and his experiences living through significant social and political changes in the 19th century.

The Limits of State Action by Wilhelm von Humboldt, Paperback | Barnes & Noble®

The Limits of State Action, written by Wilhelm von Humboldt, is a foundational text in classical liberal political thought. It explores the role of liberty in individual development and discusses the criteria for state intervention in individual actions. Humboldt argues that individual self-development can flourish only when governmental activity is limited to providing security, i.e., preventing harm to others. The book is considered a valuable introduction to classical liberalism and is closely related to John Stuart Mill's On Liberty, with which it shares many philosophical underpinnings. Humboldt uniquely combines the ancient concern for human excellence with the modern concept of negative liberty.

The Limits of State Action | Cambridge University Press & Assessment

This document describes the book 'The Limits of State Action' by Wilhelm von Humboldt, a significant contribution to liberal political theory. Humboldt's work explores the criteria for determining the permissible limits of state activities, with a focus on preventing harm to others. The book discusses the state's role in welfare, security, and morals, and is considered a precursor to John Stuart Mill's 'On Liberty'. The text is part of Cambridge University Press & Assessment's academic offerings, which include various publications and resources in fields such as politics, international relations, and education.

The Internet Classics Archive | Nicomachean Ethics by Aristotle

Nicomachean Ethics, written by Aristotle in 350 B.C.E, is a comprehensive treatise on virtue and moral philosophy. The work is divided into ten books, exploring concepts such as happiness, virtue, moral character, and friendship. Aristotle examines the nature of ethics and moral philosophy, discussing the mean, voluntariness, and the intellectual virtues. He also investigates the relationship between virtue and happiness, arguing that the cultivation of virtue is essential for achieving human flourishing. Throughout the text, Aristotle draws on his philosophical framework to provide insights into human nature, morality, and the good life. The translation by W. D. Ross makes this foundational work accessible to readers.

Leverage Points: Places to Intervene in a System - The Donella Meadows Project

The article 'Leverage Points: Places to Intervene in a System' by Donella Meadows discusses the concept of leverage points in complex systems. Meadows argues that small changes in certain areas can have significant effects on the overall system. She identifies 12 leverage points, ranging from constants and parameters to the power to transcend paradigms. The article explores how understanding these leverage points can help in making meaningful changes in complex systems, such as economies, societies, and ecosystems. Meadows emphasizes that the most effective leverage points are often counterintuitive and require a deep understanding of the system's dynamics.

The Sovereign Individual: Mastering the Transition to the Information Age by James Dale Davidson, Lord William Rees-Mogg, Paperback | Barnes & Noble®

The book 'The Sovereign Individual: Mastering the Transition to the Information Age' by James Dale Davidson and Lord William Rees-Mogg explores the significant economic and political transition from an industrial to an information-based society. This transition, termed 'the fourth stage of human society,' is expected to liberate individuals as never before, altering the power of government. The authors predict that microprocessing will subvert and destroy the nation-state, creating new forms of social organization. They discuss the implications of the Information Revolution, including the emergence of a cybereconomy, the decline of politics, and the rise of the 'Sovereign Individual.' The book also addresses the potential disruptions caused by the Y2K computer problem and the long-term consequences of the Information Age, such as increased individual autonomy, changes in income distribution, and the potential for new forms of sovereignty and jurisdiction.

The Network State

The document introduces the concept of the 'Network State' as a potential successor to the traditional nation state, enabled by technology. It explores the intersection of political power and technological advancements, suggesting that new forms of governance and community can be created. The book delves into the historical context, current societal trends, and potential future scenarios, including the impact of fragmentation, the role of moral, martial, and money power, and the possibilities of a recentralized center. It discusses the concept in the context of current geopolitical tensions, such as between America and China, and the influence of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. The document outlines various possible futures, including American Anarchy, Chinese Control, and an International Intermediate state, and examines the conditions for victory and surprise endings in the evolution towards a Network State.

Crypto Anarchy, Cyberstates, and Pirate Utopias

The book 'Crypto Anarchy, Cyberstates, and Pirate Utopias,' edited by Peter Ludlow, is a collection of writings on emerging political structures in cyberspace. It explores the development of governance structures within online communities and the visions of political sovereignty shaping these communities. The book is divided into five sections: the sovereignty of the Internet, the possibility of 'Crypto Anarchy' through tools like Pretty Good Privacy, the impact of e-commerce on legal jurisdiction and taxation, experimental governance structures in online communities, and utopian and anti-utopian visions for cyberspace. Contributors include Richard Barbrook, John Perry Barlow, and Timothy C. May, among others. Ludlow views virtual communities as laboratories for new societal experiments, suggesting that while many will fail, some may lead to superior governance structures.

Tools for Conviviality by Ivan Illich | eBook | Barnes & Noble®

Ivan Illich's 'Tools for Conviviality' critiques the industrial mode of production and argues for a society where individuals have direct control over tools and technology. Illich contends that the current industrial system enslaves people, rather than liberating them. He advocates for a convivial society where technology enhances personal freedom and efficiency. The book, published in 1973, presents a seminal analysis of the relationship between technology, society, and human agency. Illich's work challenges the notion that machines can replace human labor and argues that people need tools that guarantee their independence and efficiency.

Why Centralized AI Is Not Our Inevitable Future | Techdirt

The article discusses the potential risks of centralized AI systems, particularly those developed by companies like OpenAI, and argues that a decentralized approach to AI is necessary to preserve human agency and prevent the concentration of power. The author critiques Sam Altman's vision of a 'gentle singularity' and suggests that it may lead to a form of digital dictatorship. The article highlights the importance of data sovereignty, open ecosystems, and intentional technology that aligns with human values.

A quiet movement is forming: entrepreneurs building for human agency — not just agents’ sake.

The article discusses the emerging field of Agentic Tech, which prioritizes human agency over AI agents. It highlights the distinction between human agency and AI agency, warning that conflating the two could lead to a loss of digital liberties and freedom. The authors argue that technology should enhance human agency rather than diminish it, and propose two design commitments for Agentic Tech: transparency and ownership. They invite readers to join the discussion and community around building products that preserve human agency and promote digital flourishing.

Privacy is Power: Why and How You Should Take Back Control of Your Data by Carissa Veliz, Paperback | Barnes & Noble®

The book 'Privacy is Power: Why and How You Should Take Back Control of Your Data' by Carissa Véliz discusses the pervasive issue of data collection by governments and corporations, and its implications on individual privacy and societal control. It argues that reclaiming privacy is essential to regain control over our lives and societies. The author proposes concrete measures to end the data economy and offers practical solutions for both policymakers and ordinary citizens. The book examines the development of the surveillance economy, the toxic nature of personal data, and the need to pull the plug on the data economy to safeguard privacy and democracy.

Thinking in Systems by Donella Meadows

The book 'Thinking in Systems' by Donella Meadows is a comprehensive guide to understanding and applying systems thinking to solve complex problems. It explains key concepts such as stocks, flows, feedback loops, and system boundaries, using real-world examples to illustrate their application. Meadows emphasizes the importance of considering the entire system, rather than just its individual parts, to address issues like environmental degradation, poverty, and economic instability. The book is edited by Diana Wright and published by Chelsea Green Publishing. It has received praise from various experts in the field, including Lester Brown, Herman Daly, and Amory B. Lovins, for its clarity and insight into systems thinking.

Invisible Rulers by Renee DiResta | Hachette Book Group

The book 'Invisible Rulers' by Renée DiResta examines the transformation in power and influence driven by small communities of propagandists who shape public opinion and control our relationship to truth. DiResta explores how these propagandists and their followers undermine institutions that make society work, from anti-vaccine zealots to influencers using AI-generated images. The book provides a new conception of civics to understand and fight back against these new invisible rulers. It discusses the role of free speech, content moderation, and education in the fractured media landscape. The author, Renée DiResta, is the technical research manager at the Stanford Internet Observatory and has analyzed geopolitical campaigns created by foreign powers and domestic influencers.

The Age of Surveillance Capitalism by Shoshana Zuboff | Hachette Book Group

Shoshana Zuboff's book 'The Age of Surveillance Capitalism' explores the concept of surveillance capitalism, where companies accumulate vast amounts of personal data to predict and modify human behavior for profit. This phenomenon has created a new economic order characterized by extreme concentrations of knowledge and power, threatening democracy, freedom, and human nature. Zuboff examines the origins and implications of surveillance capitalism, highlighting its impact on society and the need for regulation and resistance.

Averting Cambridge Analytica in the Metaverse: Identity, Privacy… — Anastasia

The document discusses the need for robust privacy protections in web3 to prevent surveillance capitalism. It argues that decentralized technologies alone will not defeat surveillance capitalism and that a new framework is needed to empower users with control over their digital identities and data. The author examines the history of privacy jurisprudence, philosophy, and identity governance, and reviews the inadequacies of existing protections and frameworks. The document proposes a new framework centered on user-centric identity, confidentiality, interoperability, and agency to safeguard cognitive autonomy and cognitive consent in digital spaces.

The Case for Agentic Tech - by Anastasia Uglova

The article introduces the concept of 'agentic tech,' a design philosophy focused on enhancing user autonomy and agency in digital interactions. The author, who coined the term in 2022 while working on a privacy-preserving framework, describes how the idea evolved from a personal research project into a broader tech category and ecosystem. Agentic tech encompasses various domains such as digital identity, AI, security, and UI/UX, with a shared goal of preserving user autonomy and promoting human flourishing alongside technological advancements. The author discusses the limitations of current privacy frameworks and the need for an outcomes-based approach, drawing inspiration from the CIA triad in information security. The article highlights the growing community of practitioners, including founders, engineers, and investors, who are working together to develop agentic tech principles and applications. Key questions addressed include the balance between efficiency and consent, the importance of exit and reversibility in digital systems, and the need for infrastructure that supports human decision-making.

Context is All You Need by Jad Esber, Sean Thielen-Esparza, Yondon Fu, Tina He :: SSRN