Are We Really Complex?

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WIlliams: I think we're a particular kind of machine that's attached to our bodies, and very specific bodies. And i always like to quote you kno, i so, i so funny that when you write several books,. as people sometimes say, wil, do repeat yourself? And i say, i intentionally repeat a couple of times, i've intentionally repeated a story because i loved it so much, i wanted to give the author credit. He says he was inspired by Peter cramer who wrote a book about listening to prosa man. Cramer saw his student in an edibo context instead of seeing him as just a bundle of synapses.

Advances in technology have gradually been extending the human self beyond its biological extent, as we augment who we are with a variety of interconnected devices. There are obvious benefits to this — it lets us text our friends, listen to podcasts, and not get lost in strange cities. But as it changes how we interact with other people, it’s important to consider the possible downsides. Sherry Turkle is a psychologist and writer who specializes in the relationship between humans and their technology. She makes the case for not forgetting about empathy, conversation, and even the occasional imperfection in how we present ourselves to the world.

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Sherry Turkle received her Ph.D. in sociology and personality psychology from Harvard University. She is currently Abby Rockefeller Mauzé Professor of the Social Studies of Science and Technology in the Program in Science, Technology, and Society at MIT, founding director of the MIT Initiative on Technology and Self, and a licensed clinical psychologist. Among her awards are a Guggenheim Fellowship, a Rockefeller Humanities Fellowship, the Harvard Centennial Medal, and she was named “Woman of the Year” by Ms. Magazine. Her new book is The Empathy Diaries: A Memoir.

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