Flowing intelligences: Taoist and indigenous perspectives on organisational AI ethics
Document Type
Article
Source of Publication
AI and Society
Publication Date
5-22-2026
Abstract
This theoretical article explores the convergence of Eastern philosophical traditions, particularly Taoist water wisdom, with Indigenous knowledge systems to propose a conceptual framework for situationally grounded and ethically reflective artificial intelligence (AI) integration in organisational contexts. Through a narrative literature review spanning Eastern philosophy, Indigenous knowledge traditions, and AI implementation research, we advance a “Water Wisdom” framework that offers alternative perspectives to prevailing Western cultural logics of technological transformation. The theoretical synthesis articulates five interrelated principles that guide situated pathways of organisational AI integration: yielding as strength, following natural pathways, adaptive persistence, reflective stillness, and transparent clarity. This work contributes to expanding cross-cultural perspectives in AI scholarship by centring non-Western philosophical traditions and furnishes conceptual tools for reimagining organisational relationships with AI technologies beyond current instrumentalist models.
DOI Link
ISSN
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Volume
41
Issue
7
First Page
6393
Last Page
6404
Disciplines
Computer Sciences | Philosophy
Keywords
Cultural logics, Ethical AI implementation, Indigenous knowledge systems, Organisational AI integration, Taoist philosophy, Water leadership
Scopus ID
Recommended Citation
Sposato, Martin and Dittmar, Eduardo Carlos, "Flowing intelligences: Taoist and indigenous perspectives on organisational AI ethics" (2026). All Works. 8044.
https://zuscholars.zu.ac.ae/works/8044
Indexed in Scopus
yes
Open Access
no