The Shape of Knowledge to Come

In 'The Neganthropocene', Bernard Stiegler explores the concept of the Anthropocene, arguing that humanity is entering a new epoch characterized by the dominance of technology and the decline of human agency. He critiques the techno-capitalist system and its impact on knowledge, memory, and social structures. Stiegler proposes a shift towards a 'neganthropocene,' a future where technology is used to enhance human potential and foster a more sustainable and equitable society. He emphasizes the importance of cultivating critical thinking, creativity, and collective action to resist the forces of automation and homogenization. The book calls for a renewed focus on education, culture, and ethics to navigate the challenges of the digital age. Stiegler's work offers a profound reflection on the future of humanity in the face of technological change.

Norbert Wiener's 'Cybernetics' is a seminal work that laid the theoretical foundations for the multidisciplinary field of cybernetics. It examines the flow of information in systems with feedback loops, whether biological, mechanical, cognitive, or social. The book is both philosophical and technical, discussing concepts like Newtonian and Bergsonian time and the impact of noise on homeostasis. The 1961 second edition includes supplementary chapters on learning and self-organizing systems.

The novel, set in the early 1900s in Norfolk, England, follows Leo Colston, a 12-year-old boy who spends a summer at Brandham Hall, the home of his school friend Marcus Maudsley. Leo becomes a messenger, or 'go-between', for a forbidden love affair between Marian Maudsley, Marcus's sister, and Ted Burgess, a local farmer. As Leo navigates this complex and secretive world, he is forced to confront the harsh realities of adult relationships, class differences, and the consequences of his actions. The story is told through a flashback by an older Leo, reflecting on the traumatic events of that summer which had a lasting impact on his life.