Super Data Science: ML & AI Podcast with Jon Krohn

845: Tech is Our New Religion And It Needs Reformation, with Greg Epstein

Dec 17, 2024

Greg Epstein, the Humanist chaplain at Harvard and MIT and author, probes the captivating intersection of technology and spirituality. He argues that technology has evolved into a modern belief system that demands a reformation. The discussion highlights how AI and tech culture mirror religious narratives, fostering blind faith akin to traditional religions. Epstein advocates for prioritizing genuine human connections over digital interactions while setting boundaries with technology. He presents tech agnosticism as a guiding philosophy for navigating these complexities.

01:36:56

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Greg Epstein

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Quick takeaways

Greg Epstein argues that technology has become a modern religion, influencing societal norms and personal beliefs akin to traditional faiths.

He critiques the blind faith in technological progress, advocating for a human-centric approach emphasizing ethics and empathy over data-driven decisions.

Epstein introduces tech agnosticism as a perspective that encourages viewing technology as a tool, promoting human connection and skepticism towards tech promises.

Deep dives

Technology as a New Religion

Greg Epstein discusses how technology has emerged as a replacement for traditional religion, with its own set of beliefs and rituals that define modern life. He argues that technology functions as a religion by creating a hierarchical society where tech leaders are viewed as prophets. This new belief system is manifested in the way people interact with their devices, often ritualistically checking them throughout the day. As a result, Epstein emphasizes the necessity for reformation within this tech-centric belief system to align its practices with more humanistic values.

Intro

2min

Seeking Community Beyond Belief

15min

Exploring Digital Connections vs. Traditional Community

4min

Building Genuine Community Connections

11min

The Power of Community: Transforming 'I' into 'We'

3min

Tech as Modern Religion

15min

Exploring Generative AI and the Notion of Free Thinkers

2min

The Intersection of Free Thought and Technology

11min

Tech, Belief, and Humanity's Future

26min

10.

Beyond Technology: Community Engagement

4min

11.

The Convergence of Technology and Spirituality

3min

Discover how technology has become the modern belief system shaping our world. Greg Epstein, author of Tech Agnostic: How Technology Became the World's Most Powerful Religion, and Why It Desperately Needs a Reformation, draws striking parallels between tech culture and traditional faiths. From AI's "singularity" echoing prophetic narratives to Silicon Valley’s promises of salvation through innovation, Greg uncovers the profound influence of technology on our lives. He challenges us to rethink blind faith in progress, focus on genuine human connection, and navigate a future where ethics and empathy guide innovation.

Interested in sponsoring a SuperDataScience Podcast episode? Email natalie@superdatascience.com for sponsorship information.

In this episode you will learn:

(08:30) How can someone cultivate connection without religion?
(15:49) Social media as a new form of community
(17:00) Tech's transformation into a religion
(56:08) How to set boundaries with tech
(01:01:32) The singularity as a religious narrative
(01:19:53) Transhumanism and effective altruism as tech cults
(01:15:00) Defining tech agnosticism
(01:26:55) Prioritizing human connection in a tech-driven world

Additional materials: www.superdatascience.com/845

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