The Third Culture

The Impact of AI on Knowledge, Society and Consciousness in the 21st Century

verfasst von: Stefan Brunnhuber

Verlag: Springer Nature Switzerland

Buchreihe : Sustainable Finance

Enthalten in: Springer Professional "Wirtschaft+Technik" , Springer Professional "Technik" , Springer Professional "Wirtschaft"

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Über dieses Buch

We are currently witnessing the emergence of a ‘third culture’, driven by unprecedented developments that are changing the playing field. These include advances in AI, big data analysis and robotics. The traditional ‘two cultures’ view (S. P. Snow) distinguishes between the sciences and the humanities. The wisdoms these two cultures offer are separated from each other, with little to no interaction or mutual comprehension. However, over the past two decades, and for the first time in human history, a new, third culture has appeared. This new culture, rooted in new technologies, not only pursues its own form of rationality but also supports advances in the original two cultures, deepening and expanding our individual and collective consciousness so that we can see more and do better. It will eventually give rise to new forms of consciousness based not on biochemical signals, but on copper wires and lithium chips. These new machine intelligences will change the world and force us to realise: we are no longer alone. The human species’ position in the twenty-first century will be fundamentally redefined: not as a conductor leading the orchestra, but a single string player within it.

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Frontmatter

Chapter 1. Finding the Narrative: Shifting East

Abstract

This first chapter sets out the question that lies at the heart of the book: what is it to be human in the twenty-first century, at the dawn of new technologies—AI, big data, the Internet of Things? I argue that Eastern rather than Western narratives are most helpful for answering this question. Every technology is ambivalent. Most research findings are not the result of a rational process, but rather emerge from science’s intuitive, irrational ‘dark side’.

Stefan Brunnhuber

Chapter 2. Finding Potential Integrators

Abstract

In this second chapter, three potential integrators are identified that are characteristic of the second Renaissance. (a) A reformed financial sector, which primarily involves an adjusted monetary policy and a new green transition plan; (b) altered mindsets, which can be brought about by contemplative practices, psychedelic drugs and/or educational programmes; (c) new technologies, in particular AI and big data. All three integrators can overcome polarities and reconcile opposites. The chapter also introduces the concepts of ‘metastability’ and ‘fractals’.

Stefan Brunnhuber

Chapter 3. The ‘Two Cultures’ Debate and the Logic of Scientific Revolutions

Abstract

This third chapter presents two major arguments. First, it discusses C. P. Snow’s ‘two cultures’ view. Throughout modern times, our culture has been divided into two spheres: science and the humanities. The wisdoms that these two cultures offer are separated from each other, with little to no interaction or mutual understanding. Second, I explore Thomas Kuhn’s theory of the ‘structure of scientific revolutions’. According to Kuhn, phases of ‘normal science’, when experiments provide findings within the framework of existing, approved rules for problem-solving, are interrupted by ‘paradigm shifts’, when methodologies, worldviews and the rules of the game are questioned. The chapter introduces the concepts of ‘complexity’, ‘risk’ and ‘uncertainty’.

Stefan Brunnhuber

Chapter 4. Towards Three Cultures

Abstract

This fourth chapter describes the dawn of a ‘third culture’. It gives multiple examples of best practice, including findings from science and the humanities that demonstrate the impact of AI, deep learning and big data. Some preliminary characteristics of this third culture are described. I consider what impact this paradigm shift in human knowledge and consciousness is having on our society as a whole.

Stefan Brunnhuber

Chapter 5. On Consciousness: The Evolving Mind

Abstract

This chapter introduces eight essential components of consciousness. It argues that humans are able to create forms of consciousness that are not based on biochemical signals or electromagnetic waves, and that will one day be able to surpass the human capacities that gave rise to those new forms of consciousness in the first place. The differences between ‘science’ and ‘sapientia’ (wisdom) are described, and two different forms of learning are introduced: representational-symbolic, where we become aware that an object or event is not in the outer world and instead examine our mental representation of it; and connectivist, where we realise that knowledge is generated within a network.

Stefan Brunnhuber

Chapter 6. Towards a Third Culture

Abstract

This sixth chapter identifies the main characteristics of the third culture: mirroring the world; revealing the interrelatedness of all things and living beings; self-improving through self-learning; and exceeding human abilities in speed and scale. It considers the ‘garbage in, garbage out’ problem, the ‘black box effect’ and the notion of ‘technological singularity’ and explains the impact of the multiple forms of human IQ.

Stefan Brunnhuber

Chapter 7. Being Human in the Twenty-First Century

Abstract

This chapter sets out some of the main characteristics of being human in the twenty-first century. These include rules-based collaboration with non-family members; telling each other fictitious stories to coordinate large cohorts; intergenerational transmission of knowledge and tools; learning by joint attention; and the pincer grip and ability to walk upright. Humans are a deficient species, never fully adapted to nature, and require a crutch to survive. Technology, governance and cultural practices serve as such crutches. The concept of ‘transhumanism’ is critically discussed. We are not at the top of the evolutionary ladder. Rather, in the twenty-first century, to be human means to be a marginal but essential string player. The technology we are creating to fill the gap can be an essential tool in allowing us to play that part.

Stefan Brunnhuber

Chapter 8. Questionary: An Adjusted Turing Test

Abstract

This chapter presents an updated version of the Turing test with nineteen items. The items are designed to help us determine whether our interlocutor’s answers are being generated by a computer or a human being. The updated test emphasises the relevance of personal freedom, responsibility and self-awareness.

Stefan Brunnhuber

Chapter 9. The Dawn of a New Integral Wisdom

Abstract

In this final chapter, I summarise the findings showing the potential of the third culture (AI, deep learning and big data) to increase our knowledge in science and the humanities. We are witnessing the dawn of a new integral wisdom that could be called the second Renaissance. Whereas the first Renaissance was a ‘great differentiator’, the second will be a ‘great integrator’, in which trans- and interdisciplinarity become the new normal. The entire ‘third culture’ argument is directed to the end of greater participatory knowledge.

Stefan Brunnhuber

Backmatter

Titel: The Third Culture
verfasst von: Stefan Brunnhuber
Verlag: Springer Nature Switzerland
Electronic ISBN: 978-3-031-48113-0
Print ISBN: 978-3-031-48112-3
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-48113-0