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We’ll never have a model of an AI major-general: Artificial Intelligence, command decisions, and kitsch visions of war

Hunter, Cameron; Bowen, Bleddyn E.

Authors

Cameron Hunter



Abstract

Military AI optimists predict future AI assisting or making command decisions. We instead argue that, at a fundamental level, these predictions are dangerously wrong. The nature of war demands decisions based on abductive logic, whilst machine learning (or ‘narrow AI’) relies on inductive logic. The two forms of logic are not interchangeable, and therefore AI’s limited utility in command – both tactical and strategic – is not something that can be solved by more data or more computing power. Many defence and government leaders are therefore proceeding with a false view of the nature of AI and of war itself.

Citation

Hunter, C., & Bowen, B. E. (2024). We’ll never have a model of an AI major-general: Artificial Intelligence, command decisions, and kitsch visions of war. Journal of Strategic Studies, 47(1), 116-146. https://doi.org/10.1080/01402390.2023.2241648

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Jul 24, 2023
Online Publication Date Aug 7, 2023
Publication Date Jan 2, 2024
Deposit Date Jan 20, 2025
Journal Journal of Strategic Studies
Print ISSN 0140-2390
Electronic ISSN 1743-937X
Publisher Taylor and Francis Group
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 47
Issue 1
Pages 116-146
DOI https://doi.org/10.1080/01402390.2023.2241648
Public URL https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/3342970