Desperate Efficiency | Los Angeles Review of Books

https://lareviewofbooks.org/article/bruce-holsinger-culpability-artificial-intelligence-ethics-novel-interview/

Publish Date: 2026-03-19 08:34:00

Here is a summary of the key points from the article on Bruce Holsinger’s latest novel, “Culpable”:

Core Theme: The novel explores the ethics of artificial intelligence, focusing on the moral ambiguity in AI’s increasing prevalence in modern life.
Plot Outline: The story centers on a family affected by a self-driving car accident that kills an elderly couple, leading to deep investigations and encounters with mysterious technological implications.
Author’s Background: Holsinger draws on his research of ethical philosophy, machine learning history, and bioethics to ground the novel’s examination of AI’s implications.
Research Sources: Notable research included works by Fei-Fei Li, Karen Hao’s “Empire of AI,” and the writings of Joanna Bryson and Josh Cowls on robotics and bioethics.
Incorporation of AI: Initially planned without AI as a theme, Holsinger’s conception shifted during the draft, particularly influenced by the rise of ChatGPT. He aimed to weave in AI to discuss agency, responsibility, and technological efficiency.
Literary Style and Techniques: The novel uses metatextual inserts and mythological examples to provide a broader, more realistic understanding of contemporary AI and its societal roles.
Collective Responsibility: Holsinger emphasizes “culpability” as a collective responsibility concept encompassing broader societal implications, particularly in the context of AI and climate change.
Fears and Hopes of AI: Holsinger raises concerns about the environmental impact and military applications of AI, but also acknowledges the potential benefits such as medical advances.
Holsinger’s Vision for the Novel: He sees his novels, including “Culpable,” as thought experiments urging readers to reflect on technology’s influence on inner lives and to embrace moments free from the constant pursuit of efficiency.
Author’s Credentials: Holsinger has been recognized for his earlier works, including The Displacements and The Gifted School, and he teaches English at the University of Virginia with a Guggenheim Fellowship to his name.