Tech Agnostic (with Greg Epstein)

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Jan 15, 2025

Greg Epstein, the Humanist chaplain at Harvard and MIT and author of "Tech Agnostic," explores the intersection of technology and ethics. He critiques tech worship culture, arguing that society’s reverence for AI mirrors religious devotion. The discussion highlights the need for ethical engagement with tech to avoid perpetuating inequalities. Epstein also touches on current AI policies under the Biden administration and delves into the legal battles faced by major companies like OpenAI and Meta.

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INSIGHT

Tech as Religion

Technology dominates modern life, demanding attention and devotion like a religion.
Greg Epstein argues this "tech religion" requires critical evaluation, like any powerful social force.

INSIGHT

Technology's Shifting Influence

Technology's influence can shift over time, starting as mysterious and powerful, then becoming commonplace.
Jeff Jarvis questions whether this familiarity is beneficial or detrimental to our engagement with technology.

INSIGHT

Facebook's True North Star

Facebook's initial "North Star" was driven by personal motivations, not a grand vision for societal good.
Greg argues this focus on personal gain, rather than broader human benefit, shaped its trajectory.

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Tech Agnostic

How Technology Became the World's Most Powerful Religion, and Why It Desperately Needs a Reformation

Greg Epstein

In 'Tech Agnostic', Greg Epstein argues that technology has surpassed religion as the central focus of modern life, influencing every aspect of society. He examines the beliefs, practices, and hierarchies of this 'tech religion' and advocates for a reformation that demands technology serve humanity rather than capital. Epstein emphasizes the importance of skepticism and agnosticism in evaluating the promises and risks of technological advancements, drawing on historical and personal contexts to illustrate the need for a more balanced and human-centered approach to technology[2][4][5].

Drama of the Gifted Child

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What Artificial Intelligence Can Do, What It Can’t, and How to Tell the Difference

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AI Snake Oil cuts through the confusion surrounding AI by explaining how it works, where it might be useful or harmful, and when companies are using AI hype to sell ineffective products. The book acknowledges the potential of some AI, like ChatGPT, while uncovering rampant misleading claims and describing serious harms in areas such as education, medicine, hiring, banking, insurance, and criminal justice. It explains the differences between types of AI, why organizations fall for AI snake oil, and warns of the dangers of unaccountable big tech companies controlling AI.