The Language Labyrinth: Constructive Critique on the Terminology Used in
  the AI Discourse
Rainer Rehak
In the interdisciplinary field of artificial intelligence (AI) the problem of
clear terminology is especially momentous. This paper claims, that AI debates
are still characterised by a lack of critical distance to metaphors like
'training', 'learning' or 'deciding'. As consequence, reflections regarding
responsibility or potential use-cases are greatly distorted. Yet, if relevant
decision-makers are convinced that AI can develop an 'understanding' or
properly 'interpret' issues, its regular use for sensitive tasks like deciding
about social benefits or judging court cases looms. The chapter argues its
claim by analysing central notions of the AI debate and tries to contribute by
proposing more fitting terminology and hereby enabling more fruitful debates.
It is a conceptual work at the intersection of critical computer science and
philosophy of language.