Experts in malfunctioning? Historical reflections on digital errors and contemporary AI flaws

Recently, Wired journalist Will Knight stated: ‘AI is riddled with errors.’ Large Language Models produce false statements, and users encounter AI errors every day. These errors must be taken into account when using AI. It is thereby important to distinguish between errors, fake news, structural bias, and discrimination. This lecture focuses on errors.

A few years ago, Lisa Nakamura argued that we have become ‘experts in malfunctioning’ when using digital devices. Building on this idea, the lecture questions whether we have become experts in technological errors, who is included in the ‘we,’ and what these experts actually know and don’t know. Drawing on debates about software errors from the 1970s and 1980s, the lecture distinguishes between different forms of ignorance about errors. Historically, ignorance of technological errors is a relatively new phenomenon. With the rise of AI today, this problem is taking on a new form. Historical and current examples will be presented.

MARTINA HEßLER  | Technische Universität Darmstadt

Seminar cycle: “AI and history“

Organization:
Federico Mazzini (Università degli Studi di Padova)
Andrea Pojer (Università di Trento – FBK-ISIG)
Massimo Rospocher (FBK-ISIG)
Sandra Toffolo (FBK-ISIG)

ISIG is accredited or qualified to provide training for school staff in Trentino.

The event will be held in English.

The presentation will take place in presence in FBK’s Aula Piccola, subject to availability, and online.

Registration is mandatory by 12 December 2025 at noon.

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Image: AdobeStock_1037404632

Speakers

• Martina Heßler - Speaker

  Technische Universität Darmstadt

  Since February 2019, Martina Heßler is a Professor of the History of Technology at the Technical University of Darmstadt. Her research focuses on the history of technological errors and failures, the man-machine relationship since early modern times, and the history of emotions. Recently, she published the book “Sisyphos im Maschinenraum. Zur Fehlbarkeit von Mensch und Technologie, München 2025.” Currently, she is preparing a new book on the history of technological errors.

Registration

Registration to this event is mandatory.

Contacts

Organizers

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