Utopias, Dystopias and Today's Technology

By: Johannes Castner
  • Summary

  • AI/ML, the blockchain and many other nascent technologies are already affecting peoples’ lives across our planet, yet a discussion as to how these effects play out and whether they produce dystopian or utopian conditions is still largely missing. Where there are discussions about technology and ethics, they mostly come from decisively western ethical traditions and they are often concentrated not on what is good but merely the negative consequences that those technologies might bring and how to avoid the worst. We expect technologies to solve our problems and to catapult us into a future of abundance, improved health and ecosystems flourishing. Yet what those hopes are and how we shall arrive in this world of plenty must be discussed on a global level in order for us to steer the ship and not have the ship float our lives into random and perhaps dystopian waters, determined only by profits. The purpose of this podcast then, is to spur an inclusive discussion with expert thinkers who are underrepresented in today’s discussions about these new technologies and what they can achieve or break in our global societies.
    © 2024 Utopias, Dystopias and Today's Technology
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Episodes
  • AI, ESG and Startups
    Jul 26 2023

    Join us in this episode of "Utopias, Dystopias, and Today's Technology" as host Johannes sits down with Christian Lazopoulos, a seasoned expert in the FinTech and ESG sectors. We step into the world of AI, exploring its rise, potential, and the ethical implications that come with it.

    Is AI on the brink of self-awareness? What does this mean for the rights of AI entities? How is AI reshaping the startup landscape and navigating the ecosystem? We tackle these questions and more, offering a comprehensive look at the intersection of AI, ethics, and consciousness.

    But that's not all. We also discuss the role of technology in shaping our future, the challenges startups face, and the potential of AI in connecting the dots in various fields, including medicine. We explore the influence of AI on human behavior and its role in democratization.

    This episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in AI, startups, and the future of technology. Tune in, gain insights, and join the conversation. Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more deep dives into the world of technology.


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    1 hr and 31 mins
  • 'The Artificial Era': Bridging AI, Music, Sustainability, and Societal Impact for the Future.
    Jun 21 2023

    In this episode of "Utopias, Dystopias and Today's Technology," host Johannes invites the multifaceted AI expert and celebrated pianist Gissel Velarde for an exploration of AI, music, and society.

    Starting off with Gissel's journey in the fields of AI and music, the conversation swiftly ventures into the interplay between data science, AI and the art of music creation. The duo contemplates on profound questions concerning AI's role and impact in music, whether it can be considered to have intentionality, and the debate on AI with respect to intelligence, consciousness, and sentience.

    Intricacies of musical influence, historical transformations in music, and the genesis of music in rituals, all in relation to AI bring out nuances that are not usually discussed. Can AI replicate human experiences? Is it possible to empathize with AI or to use technology such as immersive experiences to empathize with other biological intelligences? The episode dives into these scantly discussed areas, providing listeners with fresh perspectives on the topic.

    The episode further touches on the role of AI in sustainability, the dangers of technology, and the potential manipulation of human nature, highlighting the importance of developing critical thinking in our rapidly digitalizing world. Johannes and Gissel shed light on the educational inequality, digital divide, and the promise of technology in overcoming these barriers.

    Gissel gives us a sneak peek into her upcoming book, "The Artificial Era," which will be puclished in October and is available for early ordering here: https://gvelarde.com/books/Artificial-era-by-Velarde.html

    This book promises to address pressing issues like the lack of diversity in AI and potential future predictions. The conversation takes a personal turn as Gissel shares her journey from Bolivia to Germany and Denmark, instilling hope and inspiration in aspiring data scientists.

    Finally, they contemplate AI's role in fostering sustainable energy and environmental conservation, leading up to a concluding thought that underscores the potential of every individual to make the world a better place.

    Join us in this intellectually enriching dialogue that promises to challenge your understanding of AI and its pervasive influence on various aspects of our lives. Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more insightful discussions!

    Gissel Velarde's website can be found here: https://gvelarde.com/

    Gissel's paper on time series forecasting with deep learning is available here: https://arxiv.org/pdf/2302.12027v1.pdf

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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • Coding Nepal's Future: A Unique Blend of High-Tech and Tradition in the Himalayas
    Jun 14 2023

    Venture with us into the unique conversation nexus of Utopias, Dystopias, and Today's Technology. This episode features the thought leader, Umesh Upadhyaya, Co-founder of HPCNepal, who, along with our host, Johannes Castner, navigates the intersections of high-performance computing (HPC) and the evolving landscape of Nepal.

    Unfurling Umesh's professional chronicle from the international corridors of UNDP and the International Seabed Authority to fostering an HPC revolution in Nepal, this discussion illustrates the comparative dynamics of cloud and HPC, primarily highlighting the latter's quintessential necessity for Nepal. Uncover the challenges cloud platforms pose in Nepal and the empowerment brought about by global supercomputing conference learnings.

    Witness the amalgamation of high-performance computing with low-tech devices, foreseeing an educational and research revolution in Nepal. This episode also illuminates the practical utility of supercomputing in weather prediction and the influence of Moore's Law on HPC evolution.

    Stay tuned as we elucidate the prospective role of IoT in HPC, Umesh's experiences with global organizations, and the pivotal role of supercomputers in nurturing computational research ambitions in young minds. Our dialogue further encompasses the unique geographical challenges and opportunities for HPC in Nepal, international collaborations, and the essence of digital inclusion.

    Concluding with the vision of mobile-enabled HPC, the incorporation of collective intelligence in contemporary scenarios, and harmonizing traditional wisdom with advanced technology, this episode serves as a trailblazer for future advancements. We also shed light on the burgeoning influence of technology in Nepal, demographic and economic trajectories, green energy avenues, and the ethical quandaries surrounding AI.

    Our conversations are not mere technological showcases but serve as windows into the societal implications, the practical workings, and the future trajectory of technology. Connect with us and participate in this lively discourse to reimagine the future.

    If our content resonates with you, show us your support by liking, sharing, and subscribing to our channel. Stay connected, stay updated, and together let's envision a technologically advanced, ethical future.

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    1 hr and 26 mins

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