Artificial Intelligence and Human Agency in Cultural Transformations of Governance and Decision-Making

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to examine how artificial intelligence is transforming the cultural and ethical foundations of governance and decision-making processes. It analyzes the phenomenon of algorithmic decision support systems as sociotechnical and cultural mechanisms influencing norms of authority, responsibility, and legitimacy in public administration. The study draws on an interdisciplinary approach that integrates insights from cultural studies, sociology, and political theory. A comparative cultural analytical method is employed to interpret governance as a dynamic space of interaction between human judgment and algorithmic reasoning, shaping new decision-making cultures. The key findings demonstrate that artificial intelligence-enabled digital governance is generating new forms of cultural rationality and redefining the relationship between individuals and institutions. The study identifies three key transformative trends: the normalization of algorithmic mediation in political and governance processes; the erosion and reconfiguration of human agency; and the emergence of hybrid systems of collaborative human-machine decision-making. Through the example of Kazakhstan, artificial intelligence is viewed not only as a technological innovation but also as a cultural actor, reshaping governance practices and moral guidelines. By situating artificial intelligence within the context of social and cultural change, the study contributes to discussions about power, ethics, and human autonomy in the digital age.