week 9 - Algorithmic Governmentality:

Question 1

Algorithmic Governmentality:

Answer 1

using data and algorithms to watch people, predict what they’ll do, and then influence their behavior—often without them even noticing.

Question 2

3 stages alg gov

Answer 2

colleciton
profiling
predicition

Question 3

collection

Answer 3

of big data

Question 4

profiling

Answer 4

data mining and the processing of big data to find the correlation between them

Question 5

predicition

Answer 5

using the statistical knowledge to precit ind behaviors - base don profiles

Question 6

Crisis of Representation and Critique:

Answer 6

Crisis of Representation and Critique:

Traditional “truth” processes (peer review, critique) are replaced by predictive models.

Knowledge becomes about prediction, not explanation.

Rouvroy calls this a “knowledge without truth” situation.

Question 7

New Paradigm of Knowledge:

Answer 7

manifests itself in radical changes in

1. knowledge production
2. modes of power
3. human subjectivity

Question 8

1. knowledge production

Answer 8

Before: We produced knowledge through thinking, questioning, and explaining.

Now: Algorithms produce knowledge by finding patterns in data—no need to understand or explain, just predict.

👉 Shift: From understanding meaning to just using data

Question 9

modes of power

Answer 9

Before: Power worked through laws, rules, and decisions made by people.

Now: Power works invisibly, through algorithms that shape our choices (like what we see online or how we’re scored).

👉 Shift: From visible control to automatic, data-driven influence.

Question 10

human subjectivity

Answer 10

Before: People were seen as individuals with free will, opinions, and the ability to reflect.

Now: People are treated as data points—defined by their behaviors, clicks, and patterns.

👉 Shift: From thinking subjects to measurable profiles.

Question 11

Recalcitrance

Answer 11

human ability to resist being put into neat categories or predicted by systems—and this resistance is important because it protects our freedom and individuality.

Question 12

Post-Actuarial Reality:

Answer 12

Instead of just calculating risks and probabilities (like in traditional insurance), this new approach tries to stop unpredictable events before they even happen by using data and algorithms to predict and prevent them early.

Question 13

Connection to Broussard (2018)

Answer 13

Algorithms can copy human biases — if the data they learn from is biased, machines will reproduce unfairness in society.

Machine learning isn’t perfect — it misses important things like social context, subtle meanings, and ethical concerns.

Because of this, ML systems can make mistakes or reinforce inequalities unless we design them carefully.

Question 14

Machinic Objectivity

Answer 14

machines create “objective” results automatically, without humans checking or interpreting them.

Question 15

A-Signifying Semiotics

Answer 15

Signs that trigger reactions (emotions, behaviors) without meaning or language (money, machines).

Question 16

Subjectivity Crisis

Answer 16

It means people’s ability to think critically, judge for themselves, and act unpredictably is slowly disappearing because algorithms control more and more of what we do.

Question 17

1. What does “Algorithmic Governmentality” primarily refer to?
   A) Governance based on conscious political decisions
   B) Governance based on reflexive and pre-emptive data-driven actions
   C) Governance focused on laws and human dialogue
   D) Governance through democratic voting processes

Answer 17

b

Question 18

According to Rouvroy, what replaces traditional “truth” and critique in the digital regime?
A) Philosophical debate
B) Peer review processes
C) Predictive models and correlation without explanation
D) Public deliberation

Answer 18

c

Question 19

What is “Recalcitrance” in the context of AI and humanities?
A) The tendency of algorithms to learn from errors
B) The human ability to resist being fully predicted or categorized by machines
C) The efficiency of machine learning models
D) The process of data mining

Answer 19

b

Question 20

What does Maurizio Lazzarato’s concept of “Machinic Enslavement” describe?
A) Conscious political control through discourse
B) Control of people through emotional and bodily reactions bypassing language and meaning
C) The development of new AI programming languages
D) Human freedom in the digital age

Answer 20

b

Question 21

What is the main problem with “Machinic Objectivity” according to Rouvroy?
A) It promotes more human subjectivity
B) It eliminates human critical interpretation and political resistance
C) It increases data transparency
D) It encourages social dialogue

Answer 21

b