Abstract
Socio-technical systems increasingly involve the convergence of human intelligence (natural life, or NLife) with artificial intelligence (ALife) in co-existence, co-production and co-evolution. This raises the possibility of an inequitable distribution of power, either by exacerbating existing asymmetric power relationships or an unwitting concession of power from NLife to ALife. In this paper, we investigate power-sensitive design, an instance of value-sensitive design, as a conceptual model for empowering NLife communities with ALife capabilities. We define “empowerment” in five cognitive dimensions, relate this definition to four higher-order cybernetic design patterns, and apply these patterns to four case studies. We conclude with a discussion of the social implications, in particular the empowerment of communities through the embodiment of communality.