(EF49) Trying Too Hard
Why does it take near death — or near transcendence — to recognize that it’s the small moments which matter? Perhaps we don’t need to create meaning after all; it’s right in front of us at all times.
(EF49) Digital Racism
Like a sort of high-tech racism, Transhumanism is going to change the perception of those who aren’t upgraded.
(EF49) TechNeedle to the Vein
Technology is like a powerful drug. It can make you a better version of yourself. Or, it can make you miserable, dependent, and blind to reality; even worse, it can make you useless.
(EF49) Sledgehammer of the Gods
Technology enabled us to prosper, multiply and flourish. But it is becoming a sledgehammer for the wealthy to drive a massive wedge between themselves and the rest.
(EF49) Mount Superhuman
Even if we reach the transhumanism pinnacle — no work, no suffering, no dying — will our lives really be fulfilled?
(EF49) Control
Emotions are important and humans can’t make decisions without them, but overextend them and even conversation is useless.
(EF49) Amateur Illusionist
You didn’t pick your genes, culture, or environment. You can’t even control your next thought. Free will is an illusion … and not a very good one.
(EF49) Open Mind, Insert Possibility
The scientific method demands we be open to all possibilities, including ones we neither like nor understand.
Ray Kurzweil
Episode EF49 is dedicated to Ray Kurzweil, a futurist and an advocate of the transhumanist movement and the Singularity. Transhumanism is a theory predicting that human evolution is possible (and likely) outside of biological limitations. Using exponential graphs of technology trends as predictive mechanisms, Kurzweil speculates that a machine will pass the Turing Test by the year 2029. He further believes the Singularity will happen by 2045, which is the point in time where artificial intelligence will match, and then drastically skyrocket beyond, human intelligence. This intelligence explosion is expected to have radical implications for humanity and the earth.
EF49 Show Notes
DEDICATION: Episode EF49 is dedicated to Ray Kurzweil, a futurist and an advocate of the transhumanist movement and the Singularity. Transhumanism is a theory predicting that human evolution is possible (and likely) outside of biological limitations. Using exponential graphs of technology trends as predictive mechanisms, Kurzweil speculates that a machine will pass the Turing Test by the year 2029. He further believes the Singularity will happen by 2045, which is the point in time where artificial intelligence will match, and then drastically skyrocket beyond, human intelligence. This intelligence explosion is expected to have radical implications for humanity and the earth.
INSPIRATIONS: Episode EF49 is further inspired by … Nick Bostrom, Søren Kierkegaard.
EF49 (S2-E10): The Domino Effect: The Momentum of an Unstoppable Future
Sam Payne is on the brink of tearing down the entire world in hopes of getting in touch with a higher force she believes created the universe. Not knowing what the force might be, she’s risking everything to get to the other side. In the last moment, as she plans to quit to spare the universe, the force replies.
Although the distant future is unknowable, we can still predict what the near future brings. Unlike philosophical theories that deal with the present and the past, futurism doesn’t have the benefit of events happening or that they already happened — thus, it becomes the biggest guessing game. But is it important to know the future or is it all about living in the now?
(EF49) Season Two, Episode Ten Teaser
Season Two, Episode Ten: Humanity’s relationship to the future is like falling dominoes, where the momentum of the present surges forward to create what’s next. But since our actions enact this cause-effect chain, does this mean the future is knowable? Or do humans not even matter in this cosmic cycle?