Vieta’s talk explores the question: Can artificial intelligence become a labor commons? Drawing from critical theory, cooperative movements, Indigenous knowledge systems, and philosophical reflections on technology, Vieta argues for a democratic reimagining of AI. Rather than succumbing to dystopian trajectories of surveillance capitalism and techno-feudalism, he proposes “cooperativizing the code”—embedding AI within community-driven, ethical, and sustainable frameworks.
The talk revisits ancient Greek concepts of techné, poiesis, physis, and logos, which fused human making and the non-human world in practices of co-creation; critiques the rise of modernity’s instrumental and technological rationalities; and highlights Indigenous and feminist perspectives that center technologies in relationality and care. Through examples such as the Lucas Plan, platform cooperatives, and data co-ops, Vieta illustrates how AI can be reclaimed for collective well-being rather than individual profit.
The concept of the “labor commons” emerges as a transformative vision—where digital work is decommodified and governed democratically. Ultimately, Vieto calls for reorienting technologies such as AI toward human flourishing, ecological stewardship, and social justice. At this inflection point, his talk urges us to reclaim our digital futures by building algorithmic infrastructures of solidarity, ethical design, and autogestión that aspire toward the collective self-management of our technological lives.
Moderated by Claudia Henke
Speakers
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Claudia Henke founder & board member Platform Coops eG
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Marcelo Vieta Associate Professor, University of Toronto