James Bridle, author of 'Ways of Being: Animals, Plants, Machines: The Search for a Planetary Intelligence,' discusses the effects of AI and new technologies on society, politics, and everyday life. They explore the relationship humans have with other beings, the role of art in bridging different fields, and the importance of diverse thinking and incorporating machines and other species in human assemblies.
Intelligence extends beyond humans and machines, encompassing non-human beings as well, requiring a reevaluation of our relationship with all inhabitants of the Earth.
Incorporating artistic practices and multiple perspectives can open up novel ways of appreciating and reimagining ideas in economics, policy-making, and academia.
Deep dives
Intelligence as Relational and Ecological
The podcast episode explores the concept of intelligence as relational and ecological. The guest, James Bridle, argues that intelligence is not a fixed quantity but an active process that emerges from context and relationships. He emphasizes that technology, particularly digital technologies, is deeply intertwined with our lives, affecting not only the way we work and communicate but also the way we think. Bridle highlights the need to understand intelligence as something that extends beyond humans and machines, encompassing non-human beings as well. He challenges the notion of artificial intelligence and discusses the cultural weight and influence of science fiction ideas on the development and perception of AI.
The Power of Randomness and Broadening Perspectives
Bridle delves into the power of randomness and its generative potential. He provides examples such as the use of random number generators for cryptography and the application of randomness in artistic creations. Bridle examines the role of randomness in evolution, highlighting its contribution to the selection process and the emergence of new traits. He also discusses the importance of broadening perspectives in problem-solving and decision-making. Bridle presents the example of Citizens Assemblies, where diverse groups of individuals come together to address complex societal issues and reach consensus. He argues that embracing multiple ways of thinking beyond the human realm can lead to innovative and radical solutions.
Reimagining the Relationship between Humans and Non-human Species
Bridle challenges the anthropocentric view of intelligence and advocates for a reevaluation of our relationship with non-human species. He emphasizes the interconnectedness and interdependence between humans and other beings on the planet. Bridle points out the destructive impact of human activities such as deforestation and factory farming, highlighting the need for respect and consideration towards all inhabitants of the Earth. He underscores the importance of acknowledging non-human knowledge and behavior and harnessing their intelligence in beneficial ways. Bridle mentions examples like the use of muscles to detect water impurities and the collaboration between animals and machine learning algorithms to predict earthquakes.
Artistic Contributions and Embracing Multiple Perspectives
The podcast episode emphasizes the value of incorporating artistic practices and multiple perspectives in conversations about economics, policy-making, and academia. Bridle argues that art serves as a space for unconventional ideas and alternative thinking that challenges established assumptions. He highlights the need for questioning our default modes of thinking and recognizing the limitations of compartmentalized approaches. Bridle suggests that building bridges between art, economics, and political science can open up novel ways of appreciating and reimagining ideas.
What can we learn from other forms of intelligence and personhood, and how can we change our societies to live more equitably with one another and the non-human world?
They discuss the effects of Artificial Intelligence and new technologies on our society, economics, politics and everyday life. They delve into the relationship human beings have with the other beings we share the planet with. They also discuss the contribution of art and of artistic practices and why we should build more bridges between artists, economists, and political scientists.
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