136. Shedding Our Technological Delusions: On Compassion, Agency & Co-Evolution / Dr Tom Chatfield

In Conversation with Nathalie Nahai

For the first episode in Season 13, I’m interviewing Dr Tom Chatfield on his latest book “Wise Animals: How technology has made us what we are" - a poignant, thought-provoking book that explores our shared evolution with the tools and technologies that have come to shape both us, and the world in which we live today.

Rather than seeing technology as a threat, Tom proposes a deeply humanist perspective, one that offers a rich alternative to the more polarising opinions shaping public discourse around our fears and fascinations with AI. His thesis, that we are neither masters nor victims of our technologies, opens up a space to explore themes of agency, imagination, values and belonging, and touches upon some of the delusions we must shed if we are to chart a more flourishing path forward in collaboration with the technologies around us.

If you haven’t come across his work, Dr. Tom Chatfield is a distinguished author and tech philosopher dedicated to enhancing our relationship with technology.

With over thirty translated editions, Tom's non-fiction works like "How To Thrive in the Digital Age" and "Live This Book!" offer profound insights into digital culture, and he has developed bestselling critical thinking textbooks and online courses in collaboration with SAGE Publishing. Beyond his literary contributions, Tom serves as a seasoned Chair, Non-Executive Director, advisor, and speaker across both private and public sectors.

He’s also contributed to shaping future skills and technology through his involvement in designing and presenting the Economist's groundbreaking business course, "Critical Thinking: Problem-solving and decision-making in a complex world."

In addition to his non-fiction endeavors, Tom's debut novel, "This is Gomorrah," garnered critical acclaim, earning recognition as the Sunday Times thriller of the month and receiving prestigious literary awards such as the CWA Steel Dagger and France's Prix Douglas Kennedy. His diverse writing spans topics ranging from AI ethics to the philosophy of fake news, and reflects his multidisciplinary approach and commitment to fostering informed discourse on emerging technologies and societal issues.

KEY THEMES

• The delusions of inevitability and neutrality surrounding technology need to be resisted, and human agency should be emphasized.
• Technology is not inherently good or bad; its impact depends on how it is used and the values embedded within it.
• A more life-affirming future can be achieved through a focus on resilience, sustainability, and compassionate systems.
• The stories we tell and the values we embrace shape our relationship with technology and the world.
• Unintended consequences and unintended escalation can arise from technological advancements, and it is important to consider the broader implications and potential risks. Manipulation of attention is about someone else trying to define the terms of your relationship with the world.
• Understanding different perspectives is crucial in addressing the proliferation of misinformation and disinformation.
• The key to meaningful participation in something larger than ourselves is to find ways to make the riches of the past and present available and to pursue a purpose that belongs to us.
• Hope and beauty can be found in the simple acts of caring for others and engaging in activities that bring joy and fulfilment.
• Stories have the power to change the course of our lives and shape our understanding of the world.

WEBSITES

• https://tomchatfield.net/

OTHER RESOURCES

• Wise Animals - Tom Chatfield
• How To Thrive in the Digital Age - Tom Chatfield
• How to Think: Your Essential Guide to Clear, Critical Thought - Tom Chatfield
• This is Gomorrah - Tom Chatfield
• Live This Book! - Tom Chatfield

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Authenticity

05:08 Pressing Challenges and Concerns

09:05 Wise Animals and the Co-evolution of Humans and Technology

15:07 The Inextricable Link Between Humans and Technology

36:26 Orienting Towards a Life-Affirming Future

41:10 The Power of Stories and Values

44:46 Navigating a Fragmented Media Landscape: The Importance of Cognitive Diversity

48:06 The Dangers of Policing Truth and the Power of Understanding Different Perspectives

52:20 Finding Hope and Beauty in an Age of AI and Systemic Change