Samuele Murtinu

The relationship between Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems and managers is increasingly intricate. Traditional managerial practices such as data collection, analysis, problem-solving, and decision-making have evolved considerably, with some already automated by AI. Management research has explored human-machine interactions, and empirical studies have investigated issues related to technology, efficiency, and managerial roles. As AI systems increasingly influence management practices, practitioners often neglect the philosophical ideas and theories that underpin them. In this paper on the “AI Revolution,” we draw on various philosophical concepts and viewpoints to deepen understanding of AI in management. We first present seven articles examining different philosophical aspects of AI that we included in this special issue. They discuss the limits of automating high-impact decisions, the relationship between AI-produced knowledge and expertise, and concerns about losing autonomy and critical-thinking skills. In the second part, we further examine the conditions of managerial agency. We argue that instead of aspiring to keep the “human in the loop,” we should aim to keep our “agency in the loop.”