Algorithmic Truth Theory (ATT)

What is it about?

Today, the complexity of the world around us is growing at an unprecedented and frighteningly rapid pace. This leads to a range of unwanted phenomena, such as the loss of control over the processes we are subjected to, the inability to verify the truthfulness of the information we receive, and, ultimately, a sense of psychological disorientation, loneliness, and meaninglessness. These feelings translate into widespread societal depression, measurable in the billions of dollars spent on psychological support and medication. However, as we know from social sciences, both reality and its complexity are shaped by us through incredibly intricate symbolic universes we create in our communication acts. At least, this was the case until now. For some time, we have increasingly entrusted the creation of reality, giving it meaning, and deciding what is significant, to intelligent algorithms. It's convenient and even reassuring, as it feels like progress. But in this context, algorithms—whose cognitive processes remain black boxes to us—are now determining what is true in our world, and therefore, what is real. It seems that these are processes we won’t be able to stop from today's perspective, both because of our limited ability to perceive and process information, and due to the brutal, pragmatic usefulness of artificial intelligence. This brings us to the necessity of rethinking the theories of truth we use. The correspondence and coherence theories no longer work and are being replaced by a new sovereign: the algorithmic theory of truth. With all the desired and undesirable consequences of this shift.

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Photo by Carrie Borden on Unsplash

Photo by Carrie Borden on Unsplash

Why is it important?

The topic addressed in this article is currently one of the most prominent subjects in both scientific research and everyday discourse. In a very broad context, the article sheds new light on how the development of artificial intelligence is altering our perception of reality. It prompts both cognitive reflection on the significance of AI and consideration of the practical consequences of its advancement. It may also be useful for computer scientists working on AI, as well as psychologists and cognitive scientists.