Paper short abstract:

This study addresses the overlooked intersection of digital and ecological transitions in multiple arenas. Using controversy mapping and science-art mediation, it aims to foster a critical analysis of the issue and engage audiences through a unique scientific-musical event.

Paper long abstract:

The question of the compatibility of the current digital transition with the objectives of ecological transition is increasingly present, both in European institutional arenas, and in the press, as well as, most importantly, in civil society. However, a quick review of the academic literature shows that few studies explore the difficulties of making the digital transition via AI compatible with the ecological transition.

We propose here a preliminary exploration of this surprisingly little addressed issue. Over and above a literature review, our aim will be to understand why there is such a wide gap between the 'perception' of European institutions, of the Press, and of the majority of publishing researchers on the one hand, and part of civil society on the other (particularly leading engineering schools in France). The main methodology used in this exploratory phase will be that of controversy mapping (or 'issue studies') (Bruno Latour, 2010; Ghitalla, 2021; Lemos & Latour, 2012).

In a second stage, the map will act as a mediation device with a non-professional audience, using a science-art mediation perspective (Carless & Douglas, 2011; Crowther, 2012; Yee Pinn Tsin, 2015). Our aim is to create a scientific-musical event in which the results of the research will be shared and discussed through a musical performance, thus creating a sensorial translation of a techno-scientific and societal issue.