Identify one contemporary case where it is claimed that a certain kind of ‘machine’ can produce a novel and/or superior kind of truth.

Description

Identify one contemporary case where it is claimed that a certain kind of ‘machine’ can produce a novel and/or superior kind of truth. Look at especially the first two weeks of class content to think through what we might mean by ‘machine’ and ‘truth’. This might entail TikTok’s new role in where teenagers get their ‘news’, or how Fitbits produce new kinds of ‘truth’ about my own fitness and exercise. Find out more about your ‘machine’, and produce a ~1-page report addressing the following: – What is the ‘machine’ in this case, and what kind of ‘truth’ does it claim to produce? – Where do such claims come from? What kind of evidence, metaphor, source of authority, etc. is given to justify these claims? What kind of theories or assumptions are employed about how information and communication works? – What existing forms of truthmaking by what kinds of social actors exist in this space, and how might they be affected by these new machines and truths? – What kinds of social implications might these new technologies entail? What kinds of people, institutions, practices, etc. might be affected (positively, negatively, etc)?