Algorithmic Rationality: for Evil or for Good?

Algorithmic Rationality:
for Evil or for Good?


Penner R.V.

Dr. Sci. (Philos.), Assoc. Prof., Prof. at the Department of Philosophy, South Ural State University, Chelyabinsk, Russia penner.r.v@gmail.com

ID of the Article: 10705

Rubric: XXVII Kharchev readings

For citation:

Penner R.V. Algorithmic Rationality: for Evil or for Good?. Sotsiologicheskie issledovaniya [Sociological Studies]. 2025. No 10. P. 31-38



Abstract

The focus of the current article is the study of Dmitry Ivanov and Yuri Asochakov “Digitalization and Critical Theory of Society”, published in “Sotsiologicheskie issledovaniya” in 2023. In particular, the designated article presents the concept of algorithmic rationality, the theoretical basis for which is the dialectical interpretation of critical theory. The authors proclaim a rebellion against digital totality, the sought-after horizon for which will be a return to the humanistic ideal. In the current article, in turn, algorithmic rationality is understood as a new epistemological prism that allows a person to see other, non-human, social actants in this world. The article problematizes the question, how to combine the optimization logic of algorithmic rationality with the critical reflection inherent in scientific rationality, and what are the consequences of this for the future production of knowledge and social practices.


Keywords
algorithmic rationality; social reality; critical theory; agency; actant; person – machine; non-human; digital; capitalism; technofeudalism

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Content No 10, 2025