Technohumanism

Technohumanism explores the intersection of technology, art, and human experience, examining how advancements like AI impact society, identity, self-expression, and storytelling. It reflects on historical perspectives, integrates personal insights, and discusses both philosophical and practical implications of technology in our changing world.

Technology Art Human Experience Artificial Intelligence Storytelling Identity Philosophy History

The hottest Substack posts of Technohumanism

And their main takeaways

My Story Structure Lesson At San Quentin

99 implied HN points • 08 Aug 24
🎭️ Culture Incarceration Race Journalism Imagination Storytelling
  1. In discussing race, people often see others through the lens of their own freedom or lack thereof. This can lead to powerful and thought-provoking conversations.
  2. Powerful storytelling can evoke strong emotional reactions and provoke thoughts about the realities faced by different groups in society.
  3. Words have the ability to engage our imaginations and encourage us to think deeper about the experiences of others, especially those in difficult situations.

About Being of Two Minds

79 implied HN points • 15 Aug 24
📖 Philosophy Consciousness Self-awareness Rationality Modernity History
  1. The shift from Fortune to Reason marks a big change in how people see themselves and the world. People started to believe they could improve themselves instead of just relying on luck.
  2. The rise of new ideas and technology during the Renaissance helped create this sense of self-awareness. It changed how people thought about their place in the world and their ability to impact it.
  3. Even with all the changes, many old ideas and beliefs still linger. Our present largely builds on the past, showing that even with progress, the past isn't completely gone.

Welcome to my words

139 implied HN points • 22 Jul 24
🎭️ Culture Art Technology Humanities Journalism Philosophy
  1. Connecting art and science is important to understand human experiences and creativity. Both play a role in helping us find meaning in our lives.
  2. The author has a diverse background in journalism and tech, sharing unique stories and insights from various industries. Their experiences aim to bring a fresh perspective on complex topics.
  3. The aim of this Substack is to explore intriguing ideas and offer guidance about navigating the changing world, especially in relation to technology and its impact on society.

Turing's Yearning, Part 1

99 implied HN points • 01 Aug 24
🕹 Technology Artificial Intelligence Computing History Philosophy Human-Machine Interaction
  1. Alan Turing's foundational paper on artificial intelligence is often overlooked in favor of its famous concepts like the Turing Test. It's filled with strange ideas and a deep human yearning for understanding machines.
  2. The idea behind the Turing Test, where a computer tricks someone into thinking it's human, raises questions about what intelligence really is. Is being able to imitate intelligence the same as actually being intelligent?
  3. Turing's paper includes surprising claims and combines brilliant insights with odd assertions. It reflects his complicated thoughts on machines and intelligence, showing a deeper human story that resonates today.
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1,000 Words About A One-Liner

79 implied HN points • 28 Jul 24
🎭️ Culture Writing Comedy Technology AI Communication
  1. Even with new technology, old writing lessons are still important. It's key to understand the basics of humor for effective writing.
  2. Humor can be challenging, but learning from failed attempts can help improve skills. Just like understanding a joke, getting good at writing takes practice.
  3. Making connections between topics can inspire creativity. For example, thinking about whales and AI sparked a unique comedic idea.

Thinking About AI, Before AI Disappears

79 implied HN points • 25 Jul 24
🕹 Technology AI Tech History Digital Life Consciousness Innovation
  1. AI is changing our lives quickly and soon we'll take it for granted just like we do with other technologies, such as smartphones and electric lights.
  2. Every major technology has influenced how we think and see the world, and AI is likely to do the same by altering our realities in ways we can't fully understand yet.
  3. While there are valid concerns about AI impacting jobs or privacy, people seem to overlook the huge changes in human consciousness that such technologies bring.

The Persistence Of A 14th-C. UX

79 implied HN points • 23 Jul 24
🎭️ Culture History Literature Art Design Philosophy
  1. A 14th-century book called a girdle book was designed to be carried and read easily, even though it was heavy and unusual for its time. This shows how humans have always needed practical ways to enjoy reading.
  2. The book was made for spiritual reading, likely by a monk, showing how closely books were tied to religious practices back then. Even without fancy pictures, it was meant for deep study.
  3. Despite its age, this old book’s design is still effective and user-friendly today. It illustrates how good ideas in design can last for centuries.

First Contact!

39 implied HN points • 24 Jul 24
🕹 Technology AI Robotics Machine Learning Communication Conservation
  1. CETI is using advanced technology to understand sperm whales' communication. This shows how AI can help us connect with other species.
  2. There's a humorous aspect to this first contact, highlighting the unexpected ways we might communicate with animals.
  3. The idea raises questions about the limits and responsibilities of using AI in understanding and interacting with wildlife.

Turing Coda: From The AI Mailbag

19 implied HN points • 06 Aug 24
🕹 Technology Artificial Intelligence Human factors Cognitive Science
  1. The term 'artificial intelligence' was created as a marketing concept and doesn’t fully capture the complexities of human consciousness. Imitation isn't the same as true intelligence or awareness.
  2. Desire and emotions are central to human thinking, which machines try to replicate but can't truly understand. It's not enough for a machine to just perform tasks; it must have human-like motivations and feelings.
  3. The debate on whether humans are just machines reveals a longing for certainty in our understanding of consciousness. People act with free will, which challenges the idea that we are purely mechanical beings.

On Being Seen, Whatever The Cost.

1 HN point • 11 Aug 24
🎭️ Culture Self-Expression Incarceration Education Journalism Fashion
  1. Self-expression is really important for everyone, even in tough situations like being in prison. When people can't express themselves, it feels like a type of punishment.
  2. Inmates at San Quentin show their individuality through small style choices, like the shoes they wear or how they layer their clothes. Even though they have limited clothing, they still find ways to stand out.
  3. Teaching writing to incarcerated people can lead to deep conversations about creativity and identity. They take the opportunity to learn and share their ideas seriously.

Editor's Note: Quentin Goofed

0 implied HN points • 06 Aug 24
😂 Humor Mistakes Apologies Self-awareness Personal Stories Communication
  1. Quentin made a mistake by incorrectly attributing a quote to the wrong person. Everyone makes mistakes, and it's important to acknowledge them.
  2. He fixed the mistake in the written record, but it's still a good reminder to be careful when sharing information.
  3. Owning up to errors shows integrity and helps build trust with readers. It's okay to mess up as long as you take responsibility.

Turing's Yearning, Part 2.

0 implied HN points • 04 Aug 24
🕹 Technology Computing AI Philosophy History Mathematics
  1. Alan Turing's question, 'Can machines think?' opens up a bigger discussion about what we mean by 'machines' and 'thinking.' It's important to really define these terms before jumping to conclusions.
  2. The Turing Test, which Turing created to check if a machine can imitate a human, can be seen as unconvincing. Just because a machine can fool someone, doesn’t mean it actually thinks or understands.
  3. Turing’s paper shows his strong desire for machines to think, but it raises the question of whether digital computers are the right tools for this job. We might want to ask ourselves if they really can think at all.