Peoples & Things cover image

Peoples & Things

Special Episode: Mike Sacasas on the Question of the Human, and the Question of Technology, Live at the Bradley Study Center

Jan 20, 2025
Michael Sacasas, author of The Convivial Society Substack and Executive Director of the Christian Studies Center of Gainesville, dives deep into the philosophical implications of technology on human identity. He challenges binary views of technology as simply good or bad, advocating for a nuanced understanding prioritizing human needs. Sacasas contrasts past internet optimism with today's realities, scrutinizes the moral dimensions of technological advancements, and highlights the importance of personal judgment and cultural values in navigating the digital age.
01:23:51

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Understanding technology involves recognizing its contextual use and the nuanced evaluation of its intersection with human needs.
  • Distinguishing between genuine needs that enhance well-being and manufactured needs reveals how technology can either support or hinder human flourishing.

Deep dives

The Complexity of Understanding Technology

Understanding technology is fraught with debate, as it encompasses varied artifacts and systems that cannot be simply categorized as good or bad. The term 'technology' can often seem nebulous because it combines everything from mundane tools like toothpicks to intricate systems such as ballistic missiles. Many discussions about technology overlook the importance of context and individual use, leading to the conclusion that technology is not inherently good or bad. Instead, it requires a nuanced evaluation of how these technologies intersect with human needs and societal implications.

Get the Snipd
podcast app

Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
App store bannerPlay store banner

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode

Save any
moment

Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways

Share
& Export

Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode