Exploring the New Atlantis: Reflections on Generative AI
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Chapter 1: The Legacy of Francis Bacon
This article reflects on my presentation for an upcoming hybrid event at ACU focused on Generative AI and its philosophical and theological implications. If you're interested, consider attending the Generative AI: Theological and Philosophical Questions event on Fri, Aug 16, 2024, at 1:30 PM | Eventbrite.
Francis Bacon, a 17th-century philosopher and statesman, is often hailed as the progenitor of our relentless pursuit of innovation, where emerging sciences fuel technological advancements for achieving "all things possible." In his unfinished work, The New Atlantis, Bacon describes a utopian society that has remained isolated from the rest of the world for millennia, evolving advanced sciences that surpass the knowledge of both European and Chinese civilizations of his time.
In this society, known as Bensalem, the inhabitants are overseen by "Salomon’s House," a prestigious council of benevolent scientist-philosophers. Their governance has led to inventions that eerily mirror our 21st-century advancements, spanning fields like medicine, agriculture, cinema, and even submarine exploration.
Interestingly, the Bensalemites have even devised "houses of deceits of the senses," which create illusions and false apparitions—essentially 17th-century deep fakes, if we consider the concept in 2024.
While computers as we know them are not explicitly mentioned, Bacon did create a bilateral cipher for message encryption. In Bensalem, inventors hold a revered status as humanity’s benefactors. Statues honoring great inventions and their creators are erected in two grand galleries of Salomon’s House, where every valuable invention is celebrated with a substantial reward.
Francis Bacon as a Tech Enthusiast?
One might speculate that today, Bacon would be among the many admirers of our tech billionaires—figures like Gates, Zuckerberg, Bezos, and Musk. He would likely resonate with their promises of perpetual technological advancement, declaring with enthusiasm: "I told you so!"
This celebratory view is the one promoted by many in the tech sector, particularly those in Silicon Valley. Critics have labeled this mindset as "the Californian ideology," "cyber-libertarianism," or "AI-solutionism," with varying degrees of positivity and negativity.
Most of us are now accustomed to this ideology through advertisements from companies like Apple, IBM, Facebook, Microsoft, and others, which project a vision of a future where technological advancements will lead to a utopian world, characterized by longevity, wealth, health, and aesthetic appeal for all.
In this envisioned future, everyone will have access to a continuous stream of innovative devices, unlocking the full potential of human creativity that has been suppressed throughout history. This new era is expected to eradicate prejudices and foster instant connectivity across cultures and even planets.
In essence, Karl Marx's ideas about a utopian society, where individuals could engage in various activities at their leisure, seem quaint compared to today’s expected technological Babel. According to proponents of the Californian ideology, we will have the entire spectrum of human knowledge and languages at our fingertips, alongside the promise that technology will resolve humanity’s deepest challenges, including mortality itself.
However, if we delve deeper into Bacon's New Atlantis, we discover that he was not merely a proponent of unbridled innovation. Instead, he foresaw the potential destructiveness of technological advancements. The governing bodies in his utopia scrutinize all inventions before they are revealed to the public. This cautious approach raises questions about the trustworthiness of today's tech oligarchs who operate in secrecy, similar to Bacon’s Bensalemite rulers.
The first video titled "Francis Bacon's 'New Atlantis' - Esoterica #1" delves into the themes of Bacon's work, exploring its implications in our modern context.
Chapter 2: Innovation and Its Discontents
The second video, "The New Atlantis by Francis Bacon - My Thoughts," offers personal insights into the relevance of Bacon's ideas today.
In our rapidly advancing age of Generative AI, it is crucial to ponder the ethical and philosophical dilemmas these technologies introduce. The innovations promise to improve our lives, but at what cost?
Four Philosophical Considerations
The Dual Nature of Technology
Historically, technology has been neither inherently good nor evil. For every beneficial tool, there exists a counterpart that can cause harm. For instance, while a knife aids in preparing food, it can also be a weapon.
The Cumulative Effect of Technology
Each technological advancement tends to breed further innovations, often leading to a point where they transform from luxuries into necessities. This cycle can create dependency on technology rather than liberation from it.
Power of Creation and Destruction
With the rapid evolution of technology, humanity has gained unprecedented capabilities for both creation and destruction. The potential for catastrophic outcomes, such as nuclear weapons, raises ethical questions about our reliance on innovation.
Disruption Inequality
Not all disruptive technologies benefit society equally. The advantages often accrue to a select few, while many suffer negative repercussions. The impact of AI and automation on job security exemplifies this disparity.
In conclusion, as we navigate the complexities of Generative AI and its implications, it is imperative to adopt a critical perspective. We must interrogate the motives behind technological advancements and consider their broader societal effects to ensure a future that truly benefits humanity.