Ghosts in the Machines: Artificial Intelligence, Consciousness, & Capitalism
Apr 10, 2024
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Delving into AI and capitalism, the podcast explores Silicon Valley's techno-cult search for immortality, hubristic attempts at 'building god', and the implications of AI under capitalism. Discussions range from deflationary critiques of AI to the complexities of consciousness, transitioning creatures, Nietzschean nihilism, and embracing mortality.
Evolution can produce consciousness drastically different from human consciousness, challenging anthropocentric views.
The hubris of seeking immortality through technology contrasts with humility in accepting life and death inseparably.
The disconnect between Nietzschean ideals and human fallibility critiques techno elites' ego-driven narratives.
Seniors' calm acceptance of mortality contrasts with terror at death, highlighting wisdom in facing mortality humbly.
Concerns about AI automation leading to extreme economic inequality and a techno-feudalistic society are raised.
Deep dives
Diverse Forms of Intelligence in Evolution
The conversation delves into the idea that evolution has led to various forms of intelligence, highlighting cephalopods as an example of creatures with intelligence that differs significantly from human consciousness due to their unique neurological makeup. This challenges the anthropocentric view of intelligence and suggests that evolution can produce consciousness that looks drastically different from human consciousness.
Fear of Death and the Hubris of Immortality
The dialogue critiques the techno utopian quest for immortality through technological means, highlighting the disdain for life inherent in seeking to replace nature with technology. It emphasizes the humility found in acknowledging the inseparability of life and death, contrasting it with the hubris of seeking everlasting life through uploading consciousness, noting the profound dignity in facing one's mortality with acceptance.
Nietzschean Ideals and Techno Elites
The discussion delves into the contrast between Nietzschean ideals of the Ubermensch and the reality of human fallibility, pointing out the psychological complexity behind those who project a Nietzschean image. It critiques the romanticized view of a noble elite and highlights the disconnect between the moral depth found in common people and the ego-driven narratives of privileged techno elites.
Acceptance of Mortality and Wisdom in Aging
Reflecting on experiences with elderly individuals accepting death, it underlines the wisdom and calm acceptance displayed by many seniors facing the end of life. The anecdotal evidence aligns with broader themes of the conversation regarding humility in the face of mortality, as opposed to the hubris of seeking eternal life through technological means.
Facing Mortality and Fear of Death
The episode delves into discussions around facing mortality and the fear of death as individuals age. It highlights conversations with aging family members who express readiness for death without fear, contrasting this with the experience of a 65-year-old who faced extreme terror at the thought of dying. The importance of wrestling with questions of mortality throughout life is emphasized, with examples from wisdom and mystical traditions.
Impact of Technological Advancements and AI on Society
The podcast explores the implications of technological advancements, specifically artificial intelligence, on society. It raises concerns about the impact of automation on various job sectors, including white-collar professions like legal work and the potential for mass layoffs. The discussion extends to the possibility of a future marked by extreme economic inequality, controlled by tech monopolies, leading to a techno-feudalistic society.
Neo-Luddism and Rejection of Technological Overload
The conversation touches on the concept of neo-Luddism, reflecting on a growing unease with technology's influence in daily life. This includes the addictive nature of social media, concerns about AI replacing human creativity in fields like copywriting and art, and the alienating effects of technology on personal relationships. The speakers ponder the balance between embracing nature and critiquing technological advancements, questioning the role of technology in exacerbating societal issues like alienation and mental health challenges.
The Relationship Between Modernity and Nature
In a modern, alienated society, there is a tendency to seek connection with nature as an individual, spiritual, and existential escape from the hyper-technologized version of modern life. The discussion highlights the impacts of alienation from nature, leading to a romanticization of nature and a desire to return to it. The rejection of conquering nature and instead seeking integration with it is emphasized as a means to overcome the dichotomy between civilization and nature. The conversation delves into the concept of civilization and nature being interconnected to create a more holistic future society.
The Evolution of Religious Impulse in Contemporary Society
The conversation touches on the evolving religious impulse in contemporary society following the 'death of God.' It explores the resurgence of traditional roles and religious practices, particularly among the younger generation. The discussion navigates the complexities of embracing tradition and religion critically, emphasizing the importance of engaging with these aspects consciously. The influence of religion as a technology for marking life experiences, dealing with death, and fostering community is highlighted, suggesting a nuanced approach to integrating religious elements into modern life.
In this episode, Alyson and Breht wrestle with the possible rise of artificial general intelligence and its implications. Together they discuss the Silicon Valley Techno-Cult and their dark religious search for immortality, their hubristic attempts to "build god" and escape death, their neoliberal subjectivities and how that manifests in their work, how AI might manifest under the capitalist mode of production, the horrors and contradictions of "capitalism without workers", deflationary critiques of AI, humans as transitional creatures, consciousness and its complexities, intelligence without consciousness (philosophical zombies), Nietzchean nihilism, real religion and what it offers, embracing the inevitability of your own death, and much more!
