When those around us are grappling with difficult circumstances, our responses can be very revelatory. Do we give them hope in attempts to lift them up, do we hunker down with them in the trenches? Ultimately, what is the distinction between pity and compassion as two reactions to the struggles of others? Is one approach more humanizing and holistic towards the recipient?
Episode 253: "Don't Ask Me How I'm Doing"
“How are you?” is a common refrain in our social lives. It’s the way many of us open conversation and whether we’re seeking earnest answers or simply offering verbal acknowledgement, its familiarity is safe. But how do we adjust when that safety disintegrates? In a brief and compelling article, Dr. Adam P. Stern addresses his struggle with the question during a cancer diagnosis process. So this week, we welcome Bruce Kohl to explore the phenomena underlying the question and its application. What do we really mean when we ask it? Does it reflect some truth in our society and the depth with which we’re comfortable seeing in one another or ourselves?
Episode 252: Ode to an OS
In the 21st century, digital technology is a core element in the lives of billions. For most, the devices with which we work, play and consume media illustrate this fact. Though we make do with the tools we’re given, the software we employ is designed, curated and eventually abandoned. Yesterday, Windows 7 became one such example. Microsoft formally ceased its support of the decade-old operating system still used on over 446 million machines around the world. This week, a brief and personal tribute from one of its many users.
Episode 251: Artificial Intelligence and Moral Technology
For all our prognosticating, artificial intelligence is already present and widespread in the modern world. From the online algorithms suggesting news stories or the next songs in our playlists to autofill text, the seeds of this powerful technology have already been planted. As it develops and reaches further into our lives, what will be the human impact? That question was central to an article from Aeon, which we discuss this week with Matt DiBiase. How will the speed of adoption affect our understanding or lack thereof of this technology? What will its applications reflect about human desires, fears and abilities? Will it enhance our best and worst tendencies? Will it guide us down an unexpected path?
Further Reading:
Aeon, “Moral technology”
Episode 250: A Pale Blue Launch III
What would you send into outer space to commemorate Earth and humanity, to a potential audience of alien life? This week, we continue an interview series to tackle that question. In each entry, we’ll interview someone about the five objects - with a stipulation - they would place in a space capsule to launch into the starry beyond. For our third episode, we spoke with Charles Clark about the five objects that he would launch - all of which had to fall under a weight limit of 17.2 pounds.
