The Next Big Idea Daily Magic Is Real—And It’s Living in Your Computer
Computing as a Liberal Art
- Computing is a broad humanistic discipline blending math, logic, language, philosophy, biology, art, and simulation.
- Viewing it as a liberal art helps us engage with technology beyond mere engineering and repair our relationship with it.
Why Computer Code Is Real-World Magic That Shapes Our Future
Code is not just technology; it is a form of real-world magic that has transformed human interaction with the world. Samuel Arbisman explains that like magic in ancient stories, programming requires craft, precision, and understanding of "names" or variables to control forces effectively.
He draws parallels between sacrifices in magic and how we train AI by providing it with humanity's creative works, equating this to a form of sacrifice required for powerful technology to function. This perspective highlights the responsibility that comes with coding, emphasizing its power and the need for deliberate, thoughtful engagement.
Viewing computing as a liberal art that weaves together logic, language, philosophy, and art can help society harness technology to build a future that enhances our humanity rather than diminishes it. Arbisman encourages us to embrace code as a source of wonder, connection, and humanistic insight rather than fear or skepticism.
Code as Real-World Magic
- Computer code is a form of real-world magic that acts on the world like spells.
- Like magic, programming requires craft, effort, precise names, and sometimes sacrifice, reflecting deep power and responsibility.
