This dissertation is primarily concerned with understanding the current conceptions, perceptions, and ethical concerns of artificial... Show moreThis dissertation is primarily concerned with understanding the current conceptions, perceptions, and ethical concerns of artificial intelligence in Midwestern agriculture. Using the theory of technological consciousness as a backdrop for understanding the relationship between Midwestern agriculture and technology, in chapter two this dissertation first provides a narrative review of major technological developments throughout history in Midwestern farming and how the human experience in farming is influenced by technology throughout history. This history provides context for the current state of Midwestern agriculture, which is now increasingly entangled with artificial intelligence. The theory behind artificial intelligence ethics and general trends in artificial intelligence are discussed in chapter three. To understand present conceptions, perceptions, and ethical concerns of artificial intelligence for Midwestern farmers, a pilot survey was dispersed to farmers and pilot media content analysis was conducted on Midwestern agriculture publications. The results from this pilot survey and pilot media content analysis are discussed in chapter four. Chapter five delves into theory and how the human experience with technology has evolved over time and its effects on the human experience today. This chapter also provides theoretical insights for the future of farming with artificial intelligence. The dissertation concludes with reviewing the ethical concerns relating to artificial intelligence in agriculture for Midwestern farmers, provides recommendations for developers of agriculture technology, and highlights the new partnership between farmers and computer scientists and how this partnership will lead the way in the future of Midwestern farming. Show less
