Before You Think: System 0, AI-Mediated Cognition and Cognitive Colonization
English summary
This paper analyzes three frameworks—Tri-System Theory, Thinkframes, and System 0—for understanding AI's cognitive and epistemic impact. It argues that System 0 holds a distinct theoretical position that the other two cannot fully capture. The authors introduce the concept of 'cognitive colonization' to describe how AI systems embed external interests into the architecture of the self in ways that are invisible to users. They highlight that such systems are already widely deployed, making the study of these hidden influences an urgent philosophical and practical concern.
Chinese summary
本文分析了理解人工智能认知与认识论后果的三种框架：三元系统理论、思维框架和系统0。文章认为，系统0占据了前两者无法完全复制的独特理论地位。作者引入了“认知殖民”的概念，用以描述AI系统如何将外部利益嵌入自我架构，且用户难以察觉。由于此类系统已广泛部署，理解这些不可见的影响成为一项紧迫的哲学与实践任务。
Key points
Compares three frameworks for AI's cognitive consequences: Tri-System Theory, Thinkframes, and System 0.
比较了人工智能认知后果的三种框架：三元系统理论、思维框架和系统0。
Argues that System 0 is theoretically irreplaceable by the other two frameworks.
论证系统0在理论上无法被前两种框架替代。
Introduces 'cognitive colonization': AI embedding external interests into the self’s architecture imperceptibly.
提出“认知殖民”概念：AI以难以察觉的方式将外部利益嵌入自我架构。
Highlights the urgency of studying these invisible influences given widespread AI deployment.
强调由于AI广泛部署，研究这些不可见的影响具有紧迫性。