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In an age of algorithmic manipulation, surveillance capitalism, privacy erosion, rising fascism, and impending climate disaster, it's easy to fall prey to despair, to grimly accept our slide into an inevitable dystopian future. But there is another way. The philosophy of techno-optimism challenges us to imagine alternate futures in which technology helps promote broad social good. This talk applies a literary lens, by way of an early 20th century "future history" by H. G. Wells, to explore our evolving relationship with world-changing technologies, and help us imagine — and build toward — a future we can all not just survive in, but truly thrive in.
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The presentation "The World Set Free" by Coraline Ada Ehmke, delivered at RubyConf AU 2023, explores the intersection of technology and ethics in the context of a rapidly changing world. Ehmke’s talk draws on H.G. Wells' early 20th-century literary work to champion techno-optimism, a belief that technology can be harnessed for social good despite the prevalent challenges of algorithmic manipulation and climate crises. The key points of her talk include: - **Positionality and Background**: Ehmke introduces herself as an advocate for equity and justice in technology, sharing her personal experiences with harassment due to her identity as a queer and trans individual, which informs her perspective on technological ethics. - **Historical Context**: The discussion begins in 1913, reflecting on technological milestones and H.G. Wells' prophetic writings, particularly his vision that anticipated the destructive potential of nuclear weapons. Her focus is on how Wells advocated for a world government to manage global threats stemming from technology and warfare. - **Techno-Optimism**: Ehmke delves into the concept of techno-optimism, highlighting that while technology carries risks, it also holds the potential for societal advancement if harnessed responsibly. She emphasizes the importance of envisioning a future where technology is centered around humanity. - **The Legacy of Nuclear Science**: The talk connects Wells' work with significant figures like Leo Szilard, who understood the ethical implications of nuclear weapons long before their practical realization, demonstrating an ongoing moral responsibility in technology development. - **Ethical Responsibility**: Ehmke argues that technologists carry a significant moral burden to ensure their creations do not harm society. This includes rejecting complicity in detrimental uses of technology, as demonstrated through the case of activist Seth Vargo and his withdrawal of open source code from military contracts, despite facing organizational pushback. - **The Future of Technology**: The need for a conscientious approach is stressed, particularly in fostering a culture of ethical technology development as a counter to corporate interests. Ehmke emphasizes the need to reshape the narrative around technology to serve the common good, using historical contexts as a guiding framework. - **Conclusion**: Ehmke concludes with a powerful call to action, urging the audience to imagine and work towards a future inspired by Wells' vision of abundance and human creativity, one where technology liberates individuals rather than ensnares them in despair. Overall, the talk advocates for resilience against despair through the potential of technology, urging technologists to embrace their role in shaping a better society.
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