Dr. Christopher Ryan Maboloc, an Associate Professor at the Philosophy Department of Ateneo de Davao University, has completed his research on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Concept of Indigeneity. The year-long study is funded by the University Research Council.
Dr. Maboloc conducted field work in Benguet and Davao City/Davao del Sur. He collaborated with Dr. Juichiro Tanabe of Waseda University, Dr. Gleemore Makie of Benguet State University, Dr. Rogelio Bayod of North Valley College, and Dr. Layne Hartsell of Chulalongkorn University.
Dr. Maboloc also visited and explored the AI Laboratories of Lanzhou University in China as a Visiting Scholar last July. His research uses Herbert Marcuse's dialectical approach and appropriates Andrew Feenberg's philosophy of technology in analyzing the impact of AI.
AI, while advancing the goals of modern society, acts as a restraint. Results indicate threats to indigenous practices such as "watwat" among the Ibaloy and "lusong" among the Bagobo Tagabawa. AI, the study argues, may lead to the erosion of culture, language, and tradition.