In this episode, Justin Smith-Ruiu and host Spencer Greenberg discuss the impact of technological innovations, the decline of the academic humanities, and the trade-offs of technological progress. They explore perspectives on gender differences, reflect on the desire to attack the modern world, and delve into the decline of art and the rise of financialization. The conversation touches on algorithmic art, the significance of literacy, and the net gains of technology over time.
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Quick takeaways
Technological innovations solve existing problems but also generate new ones, creating a continuous cycle of challenges.
Technological advancements change the nature of problems faced by humans without definitively improving their overall quality of life.
There is a need to preserve authentic forms of art and skills that have been diminished by modern technology, and prioritize human connection and genuine creative impulse.
Deep dives
The Limits of Tech Solutionism
The podcast episode explores the concept of tech solutionism and its limitations. The guest, Justin Smith-Ruea, raises the point that new technologies not only solve existing problems but also generate new ones. He gives examples like the development of artificial intelligence and the potential risks associated with it. Smith-Ruea argues that the tech world continuously creates and solves its own problems, and we should not expect to reach a point where all solutions have been definitively laid out. He suggests that our focus on innovation may prevent us from inhabiting a world with fewer problems.
Technology's Impact on Human Life
The episode delves into the overall impact of technology on human life. Smith-Ruea presents the idea that technological innovation does not necessarily make life better or worse, but rather changes the nature of the problems we face. He mentions the example of the automobile, which initially seemed like an improvement by allowing people to commute more easily. However, it also brought new problems such as traffic congestion, pollution, and the risk of accidents. Smith-Ruea suggests that technological advancements often create new pressures and shape the overall trajectory of human life without definitively improving it.
Critique of Modernity and Artistic Expression
The episode delves into the speaker's critique of modernity and its impact on art and creativity. Smith-Ruea expresses a sense of dissatisfaction with contemporary mainstream cinema and literature, viewing them as lacking artistic depth and originality. He emphasizes the value of DIY creative endeavors and urges a return to more authentic and skill-based forms of expression. Smith-Ruea highlights the importance of preserving skills and art forms that have been lost or diminished due to the dominance of modern technology and emphasizes the need for human connection and genuine creative impulse in the realm of art and culture.
The Impact of Technology
The podcast explores the impact of technology on human lives. It discusses how technology has both positive and negative effects. On one hand, technology alleviates suffering and fulfills intrinsic values by improving our lives and solving problems. For example, it can protect us from diseases and provide convenience. On the other hand, technology also brings trade-offs. It may create new intrinsic values but also presents new dangers. The speaker emphasizes that technology doesn't take away from an earlier state of harmony with nature, but rather enhances and defines our humanity.
Algorithmic Content and Artistic Creativity
The podcast delves into the impact of algorithmic content on art and artistic creativity. It discusses how algorithms shape and narrow the artistic experience, especially in music and other forms of media. The focus on similarity and predictability limits the exposure to diverse and unconventional styles. However, the rise of AI art also opens up opportunities for democratizing artistic creation. With AI tools, individuals can create their own art without relying on traditional artists. The democratization of artistic creation is seen as a positive aspect, allowing more people to engage in artistic expression. However, there is concern that the decline of the humanities and the prioritization of algorithmic content could lead to a lack of imagination, loss of diversity, and the suppression of avant-garde works.
What are the limits of tech solutionism? Do technological innovations create as many problems as they solve? Or, in other words, do technological innovations improve the world on average over time? Are humans living in the 21st century actually worse off than those that lived in the 11th century? What's the difference between "art" and "content"? If image-generating AIs just produce images that are stylistic averages across all of their training data, then is it even theoretically possible for such models to create art that's edgy, avant-garde, or off the beaten path? Is cinema dead? Is literature dead? Are the humanities dying, especially in the US? And might that be a significant contributing factor to the withering of democracy in the US?
Justin Smith-Ruiu, formerly known as Justin E.H. Smith, is a writer based in Paris. He writes speculative fiction, documentary metafiction, criticism, literary non-fiction, and poetry, and also translates poetry. In 2019-2020, he was the John and Constance Birkelund Fellow at the Cullman Center for Scholars and Writers of the New York Public Library. He is also a professor of philosophy in the department of history and philosophy of science at the Université Paris Cité. Learn more about him and read his writings at www.the-hinternet.com