Augmentation Technologies and AI - An Ethical Design Futures Framework (2508.16615v1)

Abstract: Augmentation technologies, fueled by AI, are undergoing a process of adaptation and normalization geared to everyday users in various roles as practitioners, educators, and students. While new innovations, applications, and algorithms are developed as augmentation technology, Chapter 1 focuses on human subjects, contexts, and rhetorical strategies proposed for them by external actors. The chapter discusses core functions of technical and professional communication and provides rationale for positioning technical and professional communicators (TPCs) to understand augmentation technologies and AI as a means to design ethical futures across this work. An overview of Augmentation Technologies and AI- An Ethical Design Futures Framework serves as a guide for reframing professional practice and pedagogy to promote digital and AI literacy surrounding the ethical design, adoption, and adaptation of augmentation technologies. The chapter concludes with an overview of the remaining chapters in this book.