Govindan's flip-flop on 'socialist' AI

M V Govindan, the CPI-M's ideologue, has caused a flutter with his shifting stance on artificial intelligence (AI).

- HD Bureau

Initially, just hours before the Kannur party convention, Govindan made a surprising and unconvincing claim that AI would lead to socialism as envisioned by Karl Marx.

His reasoning was equally perplexing: AI, by making people lazy, would reduce purchasing power, thereby diminishing demand for products and services in a capitalist economy. This, according to him, would pave the way for socialism.

While this argument seemed disconnected from both Marxist theory and economic realities, it quickly became clear that it was not a widely accepted or well-thought-out position. Govindan's position lacked clarity, and it failed to resonate with others, even within the party, indicating a misunderstanding of both technological trends and Marxist thought.