When all is said and done, does AI truly enhance our humanity, or does it undermine it? In this episode, our host, Carter Considine, draws on ancient Greek philosophy to determine whether AI can coexist with or disrupt the essence of what makes us, us.
He begins the discussion with Aristotle’s teleological view of human nature–our phusis. Humans, like all beings, have an intrinsic purpose—flourishing through rational thought and intentional action. Technē, or human skill and creativity, is what allows us to transcend our natural state by crafting tools and artifacts to fulfill specific purposes.
Modern thinkers, such as Francis Bacon, Charles Darwin, and Jean-Paul Sartre, evolved the concept of human nature from a fixed essence to a more fluid, malleable construct. This eventually paved the way for transhumanism, which views human nature as something that can be shaped and enhanced by technology. Philosophers like Martin Heidegger warn against the dangers of technology when it transforms nature and humanity into mere resources to be optimized, as seen in his concept of gestell (enframing).
Tune in next week for part 2 of this fascinating conversation!
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More info, transcripts, and references can be found at ethical.fm
