January 8, 2014
Topics:
• Intelligent machines are rapidly replacing humans in both low skill and high skill jobs. This has never before been seen in history and will fundamentally transform society in the near future.
Guest: Martin Ford, author of The Lights in the Tunnel: Automation, Accelerating Technology, and the Economy of the Future
January 1, 2014
Topics:
• New scientific discoveries raise the probability that other intelligent life exists in our galaxy.
• Analysis/critique of Michael Signer's book Demagogue: the Fight to Save Democracy from Its Worst Enemies and Hannah Arendt's On Revolution on the corruption of political systems and how that undermines democratic government.
• The growing crisis in Syria and how it resembles the crisis that led to World War I in 1914
Guest: Astronomer Andrew West of Boston University
Archive
Program Descriptions
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Can we as Team Humanity shape and direct our future? In the final analysis that is what Radio Alexandria's programs are all about.
Radio Alexandria's programs promote diverse points of view and encourage original, speculative ideas about humanity's future. Our flagship program The Next Chapter examines such controversial, cutting edge ideas as Martin Ford's description of a society where virtually all the work is done by machines, the Singularity of Ray Kurzweil and others. Eliezer Yudkovsky's theory of Friendly AI, and philosopher Nick Bostrom's theory of reality as a simulation by a super civilization. These ideas are often discussed among the educated elite. They are likely to shape the future of humanity in the 21st Century.
The Next Chapter looks at their political and social implications while bringing these ideas to a far broader audience. Is this the direction we as a species really want to go? What will happen to traditional family life, to religion and spirituality, and to the political liberties we enjoy today? Are there other options and if so what are they?
Of particular concern is how to solve problems common to many of the major world powers. While each has a distinctive history, culture, and political system they all appear to suffer from endemic corruption of the political process, a creeping erosion of civil liberties, and excessive concentration of wealth and power in the hands of a small elite.
Often a nation recognizes that it has serious political, economic, and social problems. Rather than focus on the deficiencies Radio Alexandria's programs will look at how these nations are searching for solutions. What lessons can each nation share that will enrich and improve the lives of citizens of all countries?
Can we direct our future? Tune into The Next Chapter to find out.
To Listen to full programs and view the full list of Transcripts click here (PRX website).