

Benjamin Bratton: A Philosophy of Planetary Computation: From Antikythera to Synthetic Intelligence
22 snips Mar 20, 2025
Benjamin Bratton, a Professor at UC San Diego and Director of the Antikythera think tank, dives into the fascinating realm of planetary computation. He connects ancient technologies like the Antikythera mechanism to modern challenges, emphasizing how our tech outpaces our understanding. Bratton discusses how artificial intelligence interacts with our ecological existence and the philosophical implications of our evolving cognitive landscape. He urges a shift in thinking about intelligence and collaboration as we navigate the complexities of the future.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Pre-Paradigmatic Moment
- We are in a pre-paradigmatic moment where technology surpasses our understanding.
- Philosophy must develop new concepts to frame this technological advancement.
Antikythera Mechanism
- The Antikythera mechanism, an ancient astronomical device, exemplifies computation's origins in cosmology.
- It oriented users within the cosmos, linking their position to space and time.
Computation for World Ordering
- Computation evolved into a tool for world ordering, not just cosmology.
- Sumerian cuneiform, an early form of writing, primarily documented transactions, highlighting computation's practical use.