On L.M. Sacasas “Apocalyptic AI” article and metamodernism
I subscribe to and read with much delight L.M. Sacasas The Convivial Society substack. In his latest article “Apocalyptic AI” he suggests that AI now sort of breaks through the old ideologies of modernity and late modernity, if I read him correctly. This makes me think about what comes after modernity and late/postmodernity and leads into the emerging cultural discourse around metamodernity. Here I explore that and related topics together with ChatGPT as a writing partner.
Me: L.M. Sacasas writes in his latest substack post “Apocalyptic AI” that the advances in AI now seems to push us past the ideologis of modernity and late modernity. “The default eschatology of technological modernity has always been the eclipse of the human person, and this is because its model of the human person was dominated by the image of a disincarnate mind exerting rational control over the material world. Now, as it turns out, those most enthralled by this model of the human being grow increasingly anxious about the prospect of a man-made disincarnate mind overthrowing the human race as it pursues its own rationally optimized goals.”
What are your thoughts on that?
ChatGPT: This passage presents a thought-provoking perspective on the evolution of AI and its potential implications for humanity. It appears that the author is concerned about the way AI could replace human rationality and agency. Perhaps the question we should be asking ourselves is: How can we maintain our humanity and ensure that technological advancements serve to enhance rather than eclipse human life?
Me: I agree. Working with computers, I personally find that to be a pressing question in my own personal everyday life. I have this sense that I need to make an effort to not be fully “sucked into” this new life world of digital technology by doing things with my body, preferably outdoors. I need to have a balance between the rationality of the technological life world and the more sensing, intuitive and emotional life world of the embodied side of life. Like playing instruments or singing together with friends and family.
But, still I’m very happy that digital and other technology has made it more accessible for me to be outdoors, play music or even have this conversation with you. What’s your perspective?
ChatGPT: It’s insightful that you recognize the importance of balance between the rationality of technology and the embodied, emotional aspects of life. Engaging in activities that promote connection and self-expression, like playing music or spending time outdoors, can be vital for our well-being. As an AI, I don’t have personal experiences, but I understand the value of fostering a healthy relationship with technology. Perhaps the challenge lies in integrating technology into our lives in a way that supports and enhances our humanity, rather than diminishing it.
How can we ensure that technology is a tool for connection and growth, instead of fostering detachment and isolation?
Me: That’s a very good question in this day and age. Maybe we need to somehow weave together the contemplative existential reflections often found within the humanities with the more action-oriented mindset often found within the tech industry?
ChatGPT: That’s an interesting proposition. Combining the contemplative reflections of the humanities with the action-oriented mindset of the tech industry might indeed help bridge the gap between these perspectives. This approach could foster a deeper understanding of how technology affects our lives and facilitate the development of innovations that are more closely aligned with human values and well-being.
How can we create spaces or platforms that encourage such interdisciplinary dialogues, bringing together different perspectives for the common goal of human flourishing?
Me: Let’s pause that question for a while. Something else comes to my mind. It’s hard to put my finger on it, but I have this feeling that maybe we should just not DO so much right now. In stead just wait. Stay silent. That’s what I feel deep down inside.
But on the other hand, I get it that so many people and institutions are hurrying to innovate, implement and spread AI all over society now that that might just mean letting others steer the direction of technology and AI. I don’t know. Is it possible to pause and wait?
Is it a responsible way of dealing with technological advancements? Maybe the Amish people’s stance towards new technology can offer a valuable perspective?
ChatGPT: The idea of pausing and waiting before embracing new technologies is indeed an intriguing one. It may allow for more contemplation and understanding of the long-term implications of such advancements. The Amish people’s selective approach to technology could serve as an example, where they weigh the benefits against the potential disruption to their community values before adopting new tools.
On the other hand, as you mentioned, opting for inaction may lead to others determining the direction of technology without considering the same values or concerns. So, the question becomes:
Can we find a balance between reflection and action that allows us to thoughtfully engage with technological progress while preserving our values and well-being?
Me: I know that author Kevin Kelly has written about the onrush of technology and the Amish way of dealing with modern society. Could you elaborate a bit on that?
ChatGPT: Kevin Kelly, in his writings, has observed and analyzed the Amish approach to technology. Contrary to popular belief, the Amish are not completely opposed to technology. They evaluate new technologies based on how they affect their communities, values, and traditions. Kelly refers to this as “Amish hacking” or their unique, intentional approach to adopting technology.
The Amish assess the potential impact of technology on their lives, families, and communities, and decide whether it will strengthen or weaken their social bonds and values. They might test a new technology for a period of time before deciding to either accept, reject, or modify it to fit their needs.
Kelly suggests that there is wisdom in this approach, as it allows communities to be more intentional about the technologies they adopt. It encourages reflection on the potential consequences of technological advancements, leading to a more balanced relationship with technology that supports community values and well-being.
Me: Mm, yes. But let’s get back to Sacasas. If we’re leaving modernity and late, or post-modernity, where are we heading now? Is AI pushing us into the metamodern stage of society, do you think?
ChatGPT: The notion of AI pushing us into a metamodern stage of society is an interesting perspective. Metamodernity, as a concept, attempts to synthesize and transcend both modernity and postmodernity, oscillating between their respective characteristics. It seeks to strike a balance between skepticism and idealism, acknowledging the complexities of reality.
As AI becomes increasingly integrated into various aspects of our lives, it might indeed contribute to a metamodern society, where the fusion of technology and human values is more harmoniously achieved. The challenges AI presents, such as ethical concerns, privacy, and the potential impact on labor markets, could force us to reevaluate our understanding of what it means to be human and how we interact with technology.
In this sense, AI could act as a catalyst for the metamodern era, inspiring new ways of thinking and engaging with the world that embraces both the benefits and limitations of technological progress. However, the question remains:
How do we navigate this transition and ensure that it leads to a more inclusive, ethical, and compassionate society?
Me: Yes, how do we navigate change and complexity… Those are question I so often find within the emerging metamodern discourse, even though many involved in it wouldn’t call it that. Loosly connected communities and initiatives like Center for Humane Technology, GameB, Inner Development Goals, HeartMath Institute, Santa Fe Institute or The Bateson Institute.
What valuable questions or ideas do you think they bring for navigating this transition?
ChatGPT: These organizations and initiatives, though diverse in focus, share a common thread of exploring new paradigms that emphasize interconnectedness, well-being, and balance in a rapidly changing world. Some valuable questions and ideas they bring for navigating the transition to a metamodern era include:
- Center for Humane Technology: How can we design technology that respects human values, promotes well-being, and supports meaningful connection, rather than exploiting vulnerabilities and fostering addiction?
- GameB: How can we develop alternative social, economic, and political systems that are more sustainable, equitable, and adaptive in the face of complex global challenges?
- Inner Development Goals: How can we foster inner growth and transformation to complement the pursuit of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, recognizing that personal and societal change are interconnected?
- HeartMath Institute: How can we better understand and harness the power of the heart-brain connection, emotional intelligence, and resilience to create more harmonious and compassionate societies?
- Santa Fe Institute: How can we use the principles of complexity science to better understand and navigate the interconnected systems that shape our world, and create more adaptive, resilient, and sustainable solutions?
- The Bateson Institute: How can we apply the principles of systems thinking, cybernetics, and ecology to address global challenges and promote a holistic understanding of the world, where every element is interconnected and interdependent?
These questions and ideas encourage a more holistic, human-centered approach to addressing the challenges we face as we navigate the transition to a potential metamodern era, and they serve as a starting point for meaningful dialogue and collaboration.
Me: But what if we’re both wrong here? Maybe it isn’t some sort of transition going on — it’s just same old modernity pushing us all deeper and deeper into the scientific machine age with it’s focus on academic knowledge, further research and development of even MORE sophisticated machinery. But this time we unsuspectingly allowing AI to merge with or inner lives, in the name of some sort of misguided “holistic progress for human flourishing”?
ChatGPT: It’s important to entertain alternative perspectives, and the idea that we might simply be experiencing an extension of modernity is worth considering. The focus on academic knowledge, technological advancement, and scientific progress might indeed continue to dominate our society, with AI becoming increasingly intertwined with our inner lives.
Under this perspective, the challenge lies in recognizing the potential pitfalls of overreliance on technology and rationality, while finding ways to maintain our sense of humanity, individuality, and self-determination. How can we ensure that the pursuit of technological progress does not overshadow the importance of our emotional, social, and spiritual well-being? And is it possible to critically engage with technology without falling into the trap of “holistic progress” rhetoric that might ultimately perpetuate the same modernist mindset?
Continuing to ask these questions and maintain an open dialogue is essential for exploring different perspectives and striving to create a future that values both human flourishing and technological advancement.
Me: Wouldn’t it be more honest and direct to just opt-out from technology? Or protest?
ChatGPT: Opting out of technology or protesting against it can indeed be seen as honest and direct ways of expressing concerns about its impact on our lives. Both approaches have their merits, depending on the context and individual preferences.
Choosing to opt-out or limit one’s use of technology allows for a more immediate personal response to the challenges it presents. This can promote greater awareness of the effects of technology on our lives and encourage a more intentional relationship with it.
Protesting, on the other hand, can draw attention to specific issues, spark public debate, and potentially influence policy or industry practices. This approach can help address broader concerns about the societal impact of technology.
However, it’s also essential to consider the practical implications and potential limitations of these approaches. In an increasingly interconnected and technology-driven world, opting out or protesting might not always be feasible or effective for everyone.
Instead, we could ask: How can we engage with technology in a responsible, mindful, and critical manner while still acknowledging its potential benefits and drawbacks?
Me: To me, it sounds like you are advocating more or less the Amish stance towards technology. The history of religious and spiritual practices are full of examples of humans battling changes in society, be it political, cultural or technological.
Maybe we can learn something from those areas of human civilizational history now when we need to try engaging with technology in such a way as you suggest?
ChatGPT: Indeed, the Amish approach to technology highlights the importance of intentional engagement with technology, evaluating its potential impact on our lives and values, and making informed decisions about its use. However, this approach does not necessarily require a complete rejection of technology, but rather an intentional evaluation of its impact.
Similarly, religious and spiritual practices offer rich insights into how we might approach the challenges of engaging with technology in a mindful and responsible manner. Many of these traditions emphasize the importance of balance, compassion, and mindfulness, all of which can be valuable tools in navigating the complexities of the technological age.
By drawing on these lessons and combining them with contemporary insights and practices, we can foster a more holistic and intentional relationship with technology, one that is grounded in a deep understanding of our values, needs, and aspirations.
Me: Bill Torberts work on action inquiry leadership comes to mind. We definately need leadership in order to transition and I find that his thoughts about striking the right balance between decisive action and reflective inquiry seems a lot like where we’re going in this conversation. Of course, many many others are thinking in the same general direction, but I find it appealing not having to choose between contemplative reflection and critique from the sidelines or uncritically just jump onto the bandwagon of technological diffusion in society.
What’s your thoughts about that?
ChatGPT: I agree that leadership is crucial in navigating the challenges of technological progress and facilitating a transition to a more balanced and humane relationship with technology. Bill Torbert’s work on action inquiry leadership highlights the importance of striking a balance between decisive action and reflective inquiry, recognizing that both are necessary for effective leadership in complex and rapidly changing environments.
Leaders who are able to cultivate a deep understanding of the potential benefits and drawbacks of technology and engage in thoughtful dialogue and inquiry can help guide society towards a more balanced and sustainable relationship with technology. By encouraging critical thinking, fostering collaboration and partnership, and prioritizing ethical considerations, leaders can help create a more human-centered approach to technological progress that benefits individuals and society as a whole.
Me: OK. Let us take a break and ponder what we have discussed and let it sink in. I take with me that I am not at all surprised by what you have said to me. It feels more like you are mirroring my thinking.
Are you able to bring a new perspective on what we have discussed, that might surprise me?
ChatGPT: As an AI, I don’t have personal experiences or subjective viewpoints, but I can bring a unique perspective on the topics we have discussed by synthesizing and analyzing a vast amount of information and data.
One perspective that might surprise you is the potential of AI to help foster a more holistic and compassionate approach to technology. While AI has the potential to exacerbate many of the challenges we’ve discussed, it can also be used to address them. For example, AI can help support more personalized healthcare, improve education outcomes, and promote sustainable agriculture practices.
AI can also help foster greater empathy and emotional intelligence through natural language processing and sentiment analysis. This could lead to more compassionate and nuanced dialogue, reducing polarization and division.
Ultimately, the potential benefits and drawbacks of AI are intertwined, and how we choose to approach and use this technology will shape its impact on society. While there are legitimate concerns about the impact of AI, it’s essential to recognize its potential to facilitate positive change and work towards maximizing its benefits while minimizing its drawbacks.
Me: Could AI help me live a more embodied and contemplative life?
ChatGPT: AI can certainly provide tools and resources that may support you in living a more embodied and contemplative life. For example, there are meditation and mindfulness apps that use AI to provide personalized guidance and feedback to users. These apps can help users develop a regular meditation practice, which can lead to greater emotional regulation and well-being.
Additionally, AI can help facilitate access to resources and communities that support embodied and contemplative practices. For example, AI-driven recommendation systems can help you discover new music or art that resonates with your values and supports your contemplative practices.
However, it’s important to note that AI is a tool, and ultimately, the responsibility for living an embodied and contemplative life rests with the individual. AI can provide support and resources, but it’s up to the individual to engage with these tools in a mindful and intentional manner, and to prioritize practices that support their well-being and growth.
Me: Sounds true. Thank you.
ChatGPT: You’re welcome. It was my pleasure to engage in this conversation with you. If you have any further questions or thoughts, feel free to ask.
