The Faustian Machine and the Chrome Lotus: On the diversity of perspectives on the metaphysics of artificial intelligence with a particular focus on the contributions of traditional non-Western thought

This article intends to provide an outline of the diversity of philosophical perspecives pertaining to artificial subjectivity, with special regard to non-Western approaches and their potential to contribute to the discussion. The premise is that the popular-scientific as well as academic debate on artificial subjectivity is somewhat narrow, with a bias towards reductionist and functionalist approaches. This prevents the inclusion of the plethora of perspectives inherent in the Western philosophical tradition, while also blocking potentially fruitful input from non-Western traditions. The outsider role of the latter perspectives in relation to the narratives of modern technological society has the clear potential to supplant them where they become myopic, and this overview provides several examples of possibly fruitful contributions. Of particular importance is their evident sensitivity to the political and cultural implications of technology, as well as a set of unique methodologies and approaches suited to uncovering and addressing problems pertaining to the interactions between technology, individuals and society.