Benjamin Bratton: A Philosophy of Planetary Computation: From Antikythera to Synthetic Intelligence
Mar 20, 2025
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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.
The concept of Planetary Computation showcases how technological advancements help reshape our understanding of existence and our place in the universe.
Philosophy must urgently adapt to the rapid advancements in technology, bridging the gap between technological capabilities and philosophical understanding.
The evolving definition of intelligence emphasizes a shared trajectory between human and machine intelligence, prompting a re-evaluation of agency and identity.
Deep dives
Understanding Planetary Computation
Planetary computation refers to the tools, technologies, and methodologies that allow us to collect and analyze data about the Earth and the universe. This concept highlights the reciprocal relationship between humanity and the systems that we create, suggesting that our technological advancements are fundamentally reshaping our understanding of existence. Key examples include the historical shift initiated by Copernicus, the iconic Blue Marble image that transformed our view of Earth, and the groundbreaking black hole image produced through global collaboration. These instances illustrate how technology can expand our cognitive horizons and alter our perceptions of our place in the universe.
The Role of Philosophy in Technology
Philosophy must adapt to address the rapid advancement of technology and its implications for society. Historically, moments of significant technological progression have necessitated new philosophical inquiries, prompting a reevaluation of concepts related to existence and knowledge. At present, the disconnect between technological capability and philosophical comprehension poses a significant challenge, as many institutions are slow to adapt to the insights produced by modern technologies. Bridging this gap requires cultivating new perspectives that underscore the existential dimensions of technology.
The Implications of AI and Computation
AI serves both as a tool and an existential technology that can fundamentally reshape our understanding of intelligence and existence. The discourse surrounding AI often oscillates between viewing it as a reflection of human qualities or as a product of socio-economic structures. Importantly, the relationship between AI and humanity is not merely about alignment and control, but also about recognizing how AI can help reveal aspects of human cognition that we may not fully comprehend. Emphasizing the bi-directional nature of this relationship may provide insights that transcend current limitations and redefine our understanding of agency within a technological landscape.
Historical and Future Perspectives on Intelligence
The concept of intelligence is evolving alongside technology, suggesting that both human and machine intelligence share common evolutionary trajectories. The development of complex technologies, particularly AI, challenges traditional definitions of intelligence and compels a re-examination of what it means to be intelligent. This shared evolution implies that new forms of intelligence may arise from the interplay between biological and technological processes, leading to a deeper understanding of agency and identity within our evolving world. As we navigate these changes, it is crucial to consider the long-term adaptability of intelligence in shaping future societal structures.
The Need for New Epistemic Institutions
Current challenges necessitate the creation of new epistemic institutions that can effectively foster understanding and collaboration in the context of planetary computation. These new frameworks are essential for bridging the divides between various fields of knowledge, enabling interdisciplinary efforts to tackle complex global issues. The Antikythera program exemplifies this approach by encouraging collaboration between diverse thinkers and fields, facilitating the development of novel concepts and languages that can address modern dilemmas. As societies evolve, fostering these adaptive institutions becomes crucial for navigating the intertwined futures of technology, knowledge, and human existence.
We find ourselves in a pre-paradigmatic moment in which our technology has outpaced our theories of what to do with it.
The task of philosophy today is to catch up.
Benjamin Bratton is a Professor of Philosophy of Technology and Speculative Design at University of California, San Diego and the Director of Antikythera, an cross-disciplinary think tank researching the philosophy of computation supported by Berggruen Institute. In his Long Now Talk, Bratton takes us on a whirlwind philosophical journey into the concept of Planetary Computation — a journey that began in classical Greece with the story of the Antikythera mechanism, the analog computer that gave his think-tank its name. But his inquiry stretches far beyond antiquity — back to the very origins of biological life itself and forward to a present and future where we must increasingly grapple with artificial life and intelligence.
Show notes: https://longnow.org/ideas/a-philosophy-of-planetary-computation/
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