Yes, I think at the outer edges all this does challenge the central thesis expressed by my title, which that we remain 'the same humans'. I think there's a chance that we're undergoing processes now that will see some humans become something new, and other.
It's hard to make much sense of this. But I'll be writing much more about it for years to come.
Enter philosopher Martin Heidegger's forgotten quote: "the essence of technology is by no means anything technological". Your concerns are echoing long ago those expressed by the likes of Jacques Ellul, Henri Bergson and Heidegger of course.
Really important and articulate analysis thank you! It made me think that we are overlooking another direction we could, and in my view should ,take, which is the spiritual dimension and let that guide us. A big challenge though, as these tech advanced are happening now so minimal time to pivot. Or maybe the inevitable outcomes themselves will end up guiding us towards spirituality?
No wonder, then, that it currently feels impossible to chart a meaningful course through the technological changes unfolding now. If we are ever to chart that course, what’s needed above all is spiritual revolution.
In agreement with ALL your takes here - but with no mention of regulating AI, what's your thoughts on that as part of the no limits / new limits tension. Necessary ?
Thought provoking- thank you.
Time for the addition of a question mark in your title , I think: “New World Same Humans?”
Thanks so much!
Yes, I think at the outer edges all this does challenge the central thesis expressed by my title, which that we remain 'the same humans'. I think there's a chance that we're undergoing processes now that will see some humans become something new, and other.
It's hard to make much sense of this. But I'll be writing much more about it for years to come.
I agree, David and will read with interest
Enter philosopher Martin Heidegger's forgotten quote: "the essence of technology is by no means anything technological". Your concerns are echoing long ago those expressed by the likes of Jacques Ellul, Henri Bergson and Heidegger of course.
Thanks Luc! I'm a devoted, though still beginning, student of Ellul and Heidegger. Henri Bergson I'm yet to read, but I will.
Amazin´!
Dear David, I enjoyed reading your article. I wondered if you are familiar with the work of Fuuturist Jim Dator. He seems to address some of the tensions you are describing in your article with the concept of alternative futures. https://jfsdigital.org/articles-and-essays/2009-2/vol-14-no-2-november/articles/futuristsalternative-futures-at-the-manoa-school/
Interesting article. Are you familiar with Futurist Jim Dator's alternative futures? It seems like they explain some of the tensions you are describing. https://jfsdigital.org/articles-and-essays/2009-2/vol-14-no-2-november/articles/futuristsalternative-futures-at-the-manoa-school/
Spot on 👍🏻
Really important and articulate analysis thank you! It made me think that we are overlooking another direction we could, and in my view should ,take, which is the spiritual dimension and let that guide us. A big challenge though, as these tech advanced are happening now so minimal time to pivot. Or maybe the inevitable outcomes themselves will end up guiding us towards spirituality?
No wonder, then, that it currently feels impossible to chart a meaningful course through the technological changes unfolding now. If we are ever to chart that course, what’s needed above all is spiritual revolution.
Brilliant piece, thanks David.
In agreement with ALL your takes here - but with no mention of regulating AI, what's your thoughts on that as part of the no limits / new limits tension. Necessary ?