AI, Magical Thinking, and the Machine Metaphor with Matt Segall

In this conversation, philosopher Matt Segall and I address the role of philosophy in contemporary culture, emphasizing the need for discernment amidst ideological ferment. We critique transhumanist Silicon Valley ideologies, highlighting their left-hemisphere bias and magical thinking. We also discusses the implications of AI, arguing that while it's a valuable tool, the real danger lies in the extractive, capitalist machine driving its development.

More about Matt, including his Substack, his YouTube channel, and his conversation with Michael Levin. 

God Human Animal Machine by Meghan O’Gieblyn https://amzn.to/3IzujNq 

Against the Machine, by Paul Kingsnorth https://amzn.to/4ntYp4b 

‘Other,’ by R. S. Thomas

The machine appeared 

In the distance, singing to itself 

Of money. Its song was the web 

They were caught in, men and women 

Together. The villages were as flies 

To be sucked empty. 

God secreted 

A tear. Enough, enough, 

He commanded, but the machine 

Looked at him and went on singing.

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