Can technology change what it means to be human?
Whether you're planning to join us for the entire seven-part series or just this session, we welcome you to our exploration of personhood in the age of technology. This standalone session provides a valuable opportunity to dive deep into the enduring questions raised by our digital existence.
In the first session of our seven-part series, we will delve into the question of what it means to be a person in the age of artificial intelligence and advanced technology. Our discussion will be anchored by selected essays from "The Age of Spiritual Machines: When Computers Exceed Human Intelligence" by Ray Kurzweil and "You Are Not a Gadget: A Manifesto" by Jaron Lanier.
Participants should come prepared by reading the material in advance. Our main question and theme for this session is:
Can Technology Change What It Means to Be Human?
This question will guide our discussion, encouraging us to engage with the material and contemplate its implications on our individual and collective identities.
No previous experience with the content or authors is required; we value a variety of perspectives and backgrounds. Join us in this enriching exploration as we begin to unravel what it means to be a person in this rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Readings (Essays) for Class:
"2049: The Merger of Human Technology with Human Intelligence" from "The Age of Spiritual Machines" by Ray Kurzweil
In this essay, Kurzweil speculates about the future – the year 2049, to be precise – and the possibility of a merger between human technology and human intelligence. He argues that as technology becomes more sophisticated, it will become an integral part of us, transforming our understanding of what it means to be human. This essay will serve as a jumping-off point for discussions about the intersection of personhood, the human condition, and technology. It will challenge us to consider how our conception of ourselves might change as we become increasingly intertwined with the technology we create. (Approximately 25 pages)"2009: The Impact of Computation" from "The Age of Spiritual Machines" by Ray Kurzweil Kurzweil projects advancements in AI and their impacts on society and human identity. (Approximately 30 pages)
“What Is a Person?" from "You Are Not a Gadget" by Jaron Lanier
Lanier critically examines the definition of personhood in the digital age. Jaron Lanier deeply probes the concept of personhood in our contemporary digital landscape. Lanier posits that the rise of digital technology and the internet has led to a new understanding of what constitutes a person. He argues that the online world has a tendency to devalue individuality and unique personal experiences in favor of collective identity and shared experiences. Lanier emphasizes that we must challenge and reconsider the way that technology influences our perception of self and our interactions with others.(Approximately 30 pages)
Class Date & Time
Sunday, June 4th
4:00-6:00PST
The class takes place online