On Algorithms: Ethical and Epistemological Questions. Interview with Igor Pelgreffi

Luciano Floridi tackles the topic of the algorithm and the ethical and theoretical challenges it entails, starting from a survey of some of his ideas, including the concepts of Fourth revolution, of Infosphere and of On-life (the latter indicating an extended condition of close interconnection between our life and the being online situation). Firstly, Floridi analyses the concept of algorithmic dependency on the complex data/software, with related responsibilities and risks. Then he moves on to the question of Machine Learning, recalling both the ‘historical’ theme of the so-called 'machine to machine interaction' and items from game theory frame. Interaction means not only sharing data but also modifying data: Floridi underlines therefore the role of human subject and of ethical responsibility in data managing, instead of the ‘machines hyper-autonomy’ perspective. Subsequently, Floridi interprets the meaning of the various problems raised here, regarding the algorithm and its forms, by retracing his main works: The philosophy of information (2011), The ethics of information (2013) and The logic of information (2019), thus also discussing the overall meaning of his research path. He also reflects on the problem of writing about the politics of information and, in perspective, of elaborate a reflection on ‘meaning’, that is on what it means to be human in a digital age. A philosophical thought around the issues of algorithmic era, if conceived in such a broad way, can therefore imply a profound and gradual change in our self-understanding, considering ourselves as ‘informational organisms’, like a slow evolution of the Aristotelian zoon politikon. Following Floridi, the ways in which the opportunities related to the digital society are spent will allow or not the informational organisms to produce the ultimate good, that is to say the creation of a good society