New Books in Science, Technology, and Society

How did humans come to be who we are? In his marvelous, eccentric, and widely lauded book Being a Beast, legal scholar, veterinary surgeon, and naturalist extraordinaire Charles Foster set out to understand the consciousness of animal species by living as a badger, otter, fox, deer, and swift. Now, he inhabits three crucial periods of human development to understand the consciousness of perhaps the strangest animal of all—the human being.To experience the Upper Paleolithic era—a turning point when humans became behaviorally modern, painting caves and telling stories, Foster learns what it feels like to be a Cro-Magnon hunter-gatherer by living in makeshift shelters without amenities in the rural woods of England. He tests his five impoverished senses to forage for berries and roadkill and he undertakes shamanic journeys to explore the connection of wakeful dreaming to religion. For the Neolithic period, when humans stayed in one place and domesticated plants and animals, forever altering our connection to the natural world, he moves to a reconstructed Neolithic settlement. Finally, to explore the Enlightenment—the age of reason and the end of the soul—Foster inspects Oxford colleges, dissecting rooms, cafes, and art galleries. He finds his world and himself bizarre and disembodied, and he rues the atrophy of our senses, the cause for much of what ails us.Drawing on psychology, neuroscience, natural history, agriculture, medical law and ethics, Being a Human: Adventures in Forty Thousand Years of Consciousness (Metropolitan Books, 2021) is one man’s audacious attempt to feel a connection with 45,000 years of human history. This glorious, fiercely imaginative journey from our origins to a possible future ultimately shows how we might best live on earth—and thrive.Galina Limorenko is a doctoral candidate in Neuroscience with a focus on biochemistry and molecular biology of neurodegenerative diseases at EPFL in Switzerland. To discuss and propose the book for an interview you can reach her at galina.limorenko@epfl.ch. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSupport our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/science-technology-and-society

In this discussion, Dr. Michael Bresalier, a historian of modern medicine at Swansea University, delves into his book on the history of influenza research in Britain. He traces the evolution of understanding influenza from 1890 to 1950 and the impact of pandemics on public health perceptions. Bresalier highlights how two world wars and significant collaborations reshaped medical science. He discusses the challenges of developing influenza vaccines and draws parallels between past pandemics and current global health issues, emphasizing the importance of historical lessons.

Dive into the origins of artificial intelligence through captivating tales! Discover how Alan Turing's work redefined intelligence and deception, particularly with the Turing Test. Explore Karel Čapek's pioneering play that introduced robots and foretold an AI takeover. Delve into the ethical quandaries of treating machines as laborers and the ramifications of our creations. The discussion raises vital questions about rights, consciousness, and the profound impact of AI on human relationships in a technologically driven world.

Josh Spodek, a PhD in Physics and leadership coach, shares his transformative journey towards sustainability after disconnecting from the electric grid in NYC. He argues that sustainability enhances quality of life rather than sacrifices it. Spodek critiques government and corporate efforts, emphasizing grassroots actions and cultural change as keys to tackling environmental issues. He advocates for a shift in leadership models and intrinsic motivation, proposing that personal responsibility and collective cultural shifts can drive meaningful progress in sustainability.

In this engaging convo, Matt Beane, an Assistant Professor of Technology Management at UC Santa Barbara, dives into his book discussing the impact of automation on skill development. He highlights how AI can threaten traditional mentor-mentee relationships essential for junior workers. Beane shares innovative training systems aimed at improving skill acquisition while emphasizing the importance of tacit knowledge in complex tasks. He also sheds light on the challenges faced by low-wage workers in warehousing due to automation, and announces Skill Bench, a startup focused on enhancing skill development.

Nick Couldry, a Professor at LSE specializing in media and social theory, delves into the impact of social media on human connections in his latest discussion. He questions whether true solidarity can exist in a digitally dominated world. Exploring themes like mental health crisis, misinformation, and the influence of Big Tech, Couldry argues for a redesign of digital spaces to prioritize community over profit. He highlights the need for solutions that respect local contexts and critiques capitalism's role in undermining social bonds.

Julien Mailland, author of "The Game That Never Ends: How Lawyers Shape the Videogame Industry," dives deep into the legal intricacies that influence gaming. He unpacks why FIFA 15 faced recalls in France and the quirky renaming of Vodka Drunkenski. Mailland illuminates how landmark legal battles have shaped player experiences and spurred the rise of third-party developers, all while navigating the complex intersection of law and gaming culture. His insights reveal the hidden yet powerful role lawyers play in defining the video game landscape.

Lindsay Weinberg, Clinical Assistant Professor and Director of the Tech Justice Lab at Purdue University, discusses her book on student surveillance in higher education. She examines how modern digital tools can hinder students' autonomy while potentially reinforcing systemic inequalities. The conversation delves into the ethical dilemmas of consent, the impact of predictive models on underrepresented students, and the growing influence of corporate interests in academia. Weinberg emphasizes the need for critical awareness and reform to protect student privacy and academic integrity.

Ulises Mejias, a communication studies professor, and Nick Couldry, a media and communications theorist, tackle the pressing issue of data colonialism in their discussion. They reveal how Big Tech exploits personal data, drawing parallels to historical colonial practices. The conversation addresses the gig economy's challenges, the perils of AI, and the ethical dilemmas arising from generative technologies. Additionally, they emphasize the importance of amplifying marginalized voices and propose frameworks for resistance to create a fairer digital landscape.

Chelsea Berry, a historian and upper school history teacher, sheds light on the intriguing cultural interpretations of poison in her book, "Poisoned Relations." She discusses how European and African views diverged, framing poison as a tool of the weak versus an abuse of power. Berry explores over 500 trials across British Virginia, French Martinique, and other regions, revealing deep social conflicts within enslaved communities. Her insights connect historical narratives to modern societal challenges, emphasizing the complex interplay of healing, power, and community dynamics.