Computer says no: understanding digital authority

Weggemans, D.J. (2025)

Doctoral Thesis

"Computer Says No" is a philosophical exploration of the mechanisms behind people’s willingness to
strongly rely on digital technologies for decision-making. It describes the growing role of algorithms in modern societies, and the potential implications of overly trusting and respecting machines. This dissertation coins the idea of digital authority to reflect on this compelling influence of modern technologies on human thoughts and actions – highlighting that they can be much more than tools or assistants for improved decision-making. Rather, in today’s world, technologies have become potential authorities that we may come to follow upon. The aim of this book is to provide readers with a nuanced understanding of digital authority that will also allow for the development of effective and ethical solutions for the serious problems that can arise from our blind reliance on digital technologies.

• Digital technologies
• Philosophy of Technology
• Authority
• Digital Authority
• Security
• Risk
• Digital Governance
• Human-Technology relations

• All authors: Weggemans, D.J.
• Supervisor: Berg, B. van den; Eijkman, Q.A.M.
• Committee: Broeders, D.W.J.; Caminada, C.L.J.; Frissen, V.A.J.; Keymolen, E.L.O.; Kuipers, S.L.
• Qualification: Doctor (dr.)
• Awarding Institution: Institute of Security and Global Affairs (ISGA), Faculty of Governance and Global Affairs, Leiden University
• Date: 2025-02-13