Technology, Knowledge, and Wisdom 5: Transcendence
Does technology help us gain knowledge?
Does increased knowledge lead to increased wisdom?
And what does wisdom say of technology?
Movies have long wrestled with these questions. They explore the possibilities and pitfalls from numerous directions, be that via the political commentary of X-Men, the hopeful future visions of Robocop, or the gently dystopian almost-present visions of Her.
Philosophers, scientists, and theologians have also wrestled with these questions. From the philosophy of Mary Midgley, to the cultural commentary of Andy Crouch, to the religio-scientific utopianism of Pierre Teilhard de Chardin.
Within the academy, scientists, engineers, philosophers, theologians, and educators have the opportunity to shape how we, as a society engage with these issues. Simply shrugging, scrolling on through a news-feed and hoping things will turn out OK is simply not an option.
To this end, taking inspiration from both academic literature and popular culture, this series of discussions will consider the interrelationships between technology, knowledge, and wisdom, and what this means for how we (should) live in today’s world.
A Story: Scenario #5 – Transcendence
This was it. She looked nervously at the smiling faces on the screens to her left and right. She looked down to the cables snaking away from the computers to the banks of sensors and, she knew, from there to a network of sensors around the world.
“But what does it feel like?” she asked.
“Indescribable!” answered the face of her boyfriend on the screen to her left. “Just like being in a body, but so much more!”
“Are you sure? How can you know? What if it feels different, but you can’t tell?”
“Don’t get philosophical.” he sighed. “Just upload yourself and join us!”
She hesitated one last time, made sure the connection was securely fitted to her temple, and pressed the button.
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Session dates:
4th Dec. 2021:
Scenario #1: Specialisation
8th Jan. 2022:
Scenario #2: Integration
5th Feb. 2022:
Scenario #3: Separation
5th Mar. 2022:
Scenario #4: Centralisation
2nd Apr. 2022:
Scenario #5: Transcendence