Imagining the Impossible - Conflicting Norms and Values on Social Sustainability, Security, and Artificial Intelligence

This thesis explores the relationship between AI, security, and social sustainability as a sociotechnical system, analyzing the implications and perspectives that arise from this understanding. It represents a culmination of four articles that rely on both conceptual insights and empirical findings. The articles incorporate diverse perspectives to enhance the comprehension of AI’s effects on social sustainability and security. The thesis concludes that the ethical dimensions of security and sustainability stem from foundational paradoxes, which balance universalist claims with competing objectives that promote value pluralism and diversity. These tensions are evident in AI imaginaries through various ethical processes deeply influenced by political and power-based motives. The contributions of this thesis have established a conceptual groundwork for examining AI through a holistic lens of social sustainability and security. Additional contributions include expanding the conceptual understanding of security and identifying ethical processes in AI imaginaries. This research aims to inform policymaking while providing conceptual insights into navigating complex issues, such as AI regulation and its societal implications.