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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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.
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.
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