Artificial intelligence (AI) and ideology

Abstract

Purpose Artificial intelligence (AI) is embedded with different aspects of social, economic, political, cultural, religious and technological lives of individuals and their everyday ideological interactions. Ideology continues to be the core of technological innovations and transformations. Therefore, AI is not free from ideological engagements. The paper outlines 11 level of conceptual framework to locate ideological foundations of AI. Design/methodology/approach This is a conceptual paper which follows the critical methodological tradition of Critical Discourse Analysis, particularly focusing on the concept of ideological interdiscursivity as outlined in the works of Algam and Jameel (2025), to analyse, understand, conceptualise and explain the ideological foundations of AI. Findings Through this multi-dimensional analysis, the paper constructs an ideological foundation and conceptual linkage between AI and ideology, offering an 11-level conceptual framework to critically understand the capitalist ideological undercurrents embedded within AI. Research limitations/implications The paper constructs an ideological foundation of AI to critically analyse and locate the capitalist ideological undercurrents embedded within contemporary AI systems. In terms of future research, the paper offers an 11-level framework for understanding and analysing the interplay between AI and ideology across local, regional, national and international contexts. Practical implications In terms of policy implications, practical applicability and relevance, this paper situates itself within the domain of AI governance, ethics and policymaking, with a focus on the ethical and rational use of AI for the greater social good. Social implications The essentialist and emancipatory dimensions of AI, along with its ideological foundations, are central not only to understanding the power structures and ideologies shaping AI's trajectory but also to developing inclusive, people-centred AI policies that prioritise the well-being of humans, animals and the planet. This calls for a vision of emancipatory and human-centred AI – an AI that truly serves humanity. Originality/value This paper argues that AI interacts with ideology under two broad categories: essentialist and emancipatory aspects of AI. The essentialist aspects of AI come from its use value based on everyday functionality and requirements, whereas the emancipatory aspect of AI comes from its potential for the progressive transformation of society and the empowerment of individuals. Under these two broad categories, this paper explores the interactions between AI and ideology across 11 distinct but interrelated conceptual levels: abstraction, belief, critique, domination, facilitation, identity, integration, interpretation, process and power.