The hidden risk of humanity disappearing because of AI

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The development of a generation raised more by machines than by humans could lead to a significant threshold being crossed, resulting in a generation with a self-understanding that they are entirely created by elders, lacking a moral self-understanding. This could create a rift in intergenerational transmission, leading to two morally different life worlds. Ultimately, this scenario could result in a speciation event where the cyborg generation and elders do not perceive themselves as the same class of moral actors, potentially leading to the death of our humanity. This path could stem from a desire to protect ourselves from existential risks by conditioning behavior but at the cost of losing human qualities that define us. The risk of humanity disappearing due to AI is profound and often underestimated, with the potential for a new species emerging if not acknowledged and addressed.

On this episode, Nate is joined by philosopher and educator Zak Stein to discuss the current state of education and development for children during a time of converging crises and societal transformation. As the pace of life continues to accelerate - including world-shaking technological developments - our schools struggle to keep pace with changes in cultural expectations. What qualities are we encouraging in a system centered on competition and with no emphasis on creating agency or community participation? How is unfettered technology and artificial intelligence influencing youth - and what should parents, adults, and teachers be doing in response? What could the future of education look like if guided by true teacherly authority with the aim to create well-rounded, stable young humans with a sense of belonging and purpose in their communities?

About Zak Stein:

Dr. Zak Stein is a philosopher of education, as well as a Co-founder of the Center for World Philosophy and Religion. He is also the Co-founder of Civilization Research Institute, the Consilience Project, and Lectica, Inc. He is the author of dozens of published papers and two books, including Education in a Time Between Worlds.

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Show Notes

00:00 - Zak Stein works + Info, Civilization Research Institute, Education in a Time Between Worlds, Center for World Philosophy and Religion, First Principles and First Values

03:24 - No Child Left Behind

03:56 - Joseph Tainter + TGS episode

03:53 - Iatrogenic

05:30 - Daniel Schmachtenberger (TGS Episodes), Ken Wilbur, Marc Gafney

16:01 - Effects of screens and social media on teen mental health

16:54 - Marshall McLuhan

17:20 - The importance of adult boundary and limit setting for children

18:17 - How social media affects the brain

19:06 - The rise of ADHD in the 90s and effects on education - a timeline