Closer To Truth Greg Epstein on Technology, Morality, and Religion
Oct 30, 2024
Greg Epstein, the Humanist chaplain at Harvard and MIT, explores the intersection of technology, morality, and religion. He discusses his book, Tech Agnostic, proposing that technology has become a powerful modern religion requiring reformation. Epstein examines how tech influences identity and behavior, comparing tech leaders to prophetic figures. He emphasizes the need for critical distance from technology while advocating for a humanist approach to ethics. The conversation delves into AI, consciousness, and the importance of community values in shaping a better future.
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Technology as Religion
- Technology now rivals traditional religions as a primary influence in the 21st century.
- Epstein uses religious terminology to analyze technology's impact.
Tech Religion's Need for Reformation
- "Tech," distinct from general technology, is a specific cultural phenomenon originating from Silicon Valley.
- This "tech religion" requires a reformation due to its problematic aspects.
Constantine and Tech
- Epstein compares tech's rise to Constantine's adoption of Christianity, a seemingly minor sect that became dominant.
- He suggests tech, like early Christianity, gained power through cultural alignment, not inherent destiny.