The rapid expansion of Generative AI technologies, and the related aims of Big Tech companies to develop Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), is not merely a technical pursuit but one deeply entwined with ideological, political, and ethical concerns. This workshop critically examines the ideological underpinnings of AGI development, introducing philosophies and movements such as transhumanism, TESCREALism, Neoreaction, and Effective Accelerationism (e/acc). It will also examine the links between these movements and new political formations at the centra of global power structures. In doing so it will aim to shed light on the broader motivations that drive the AI ambitions of Big Tech. By dissecting these worldviews, participants will gain a deeper understanding of the ways in which contemporary AI research is influenced by particular philosophical and political perspectives, many of which prioritize technological expansion and control over social justice, equity, and democratic oversight.

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Beyond ideological critique, this workshop also addresses the ethical implications of Generative AI, including its environmental impact, threats to copyright and intellectual property rights, and its role in exacerbating job displacement, particularly within creative industries. With the automation of cognitive and artistic labour, AI stands to restructure power dynamics between corporations and workers, potentially leading to new forms of economic precarity and exploitation. Furthermore, the increasing use of AI to mediate decision-making processes—ranging from hiring practices to legal rulings—raises urgent concerns about accountability, bias, and the obfuscation of human agency. In a landscape where AI systems reinforce existing inequalities and disproportionately harm marginalized communities, it is crucial to interrogate how these technologies consolidate power in the hands of a few and erode democratic structures.

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This workshop will provide an interdisciplinary space for educators, researchers, students, and industry professionals to critically engage with these urgent issues. By drawing connections between AI development, hegemonic political structures, and ethical dilemmas, it will aim to equip participants with the necessary frameworks to challenge dominant AI narratives and advocate for more equitable and just technological futures. Through discussion and collaborative analysis, attendees will leave with a deeper awareness of the political stakes of AI and strategies to push back against the unchecked hegemony of Big Tech in shaping our collective future.