1 Introduction
In an era marked by burgeoning technological capabilities, humanity finds itself on the precipice of self-induced existential calamities. The concern doesn’t merely lie in the manifest risks, but also in the inadvertent augmentation of certain risks while trying to mitigate others. This article aims to introduce concepts that help us understand these called the Meta-crisis and Third Attractor, and describe how AI plays an essential role of both of these.
These concepts shed light on the complex landscape of catastrophic risks, the inherent flaws in our problem-solving methodologies, and the urgent need for a collective reorientation towards holistic, sustainable solutions.
2 AI, The Meta-Crisis and the Third Attractor
Daniel Schmachtenberger, a founding member of The Consilience Project, has introduced the concept of the Metacrisis to encapsulate the totality of risks faced by humanity and the planet due to current societal systems. These systems are perceived to gravitate towards either dystopia and catastrophes or oppressive authoritarian control as a response to the chaos, representing two attractors in a dynamical system. Schmachtenberger proposes a third attractor, which is aimed at creating a more antifragile world by harnessing exponential technologies, thus offering a pathway to circumvent the dire trajectories of the other two attractors.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is seen as a critical component in this discourse, capable of either accelerating the Metacrisis or being part of the solution. The increasing technological capacity, including AI, amplifies both destructive and creative potentials exponentially. In one scenario, AI could facilitate oppressive control systems, while in another, it could be instrumental in realizing the third attractor by optimizing resource allocation, enhancing societal coordination, and aiding in the generation of novel solutions for complex challenges. Schmachtenberger’s thoughts on AI highlights the necessity for responsible and innovative utilizations of AI to navigate through the Metacrisis towards a more resilient and beneficial societal structure.
In this article, we will cover key ideas that help define what the Meta-Crisis is according to Schmachtenberger, what kinds of solutions might constitute a possible Third Attractor, and how AI is likely to play a pivotal role in both of these.
3 The Two Attractors
The evolution of technological prowess has ushered us towards two stark realities or ‘attractors’: catastrophic failures induced by decentralized power, or dystopias driven by centralized control. These attractors highlight the paradoxical nature of our endeavors to curb existential risks. While decentralization may foster innovation, it can also potentiate collective action failures. Conversely, centralization, albeit fostering control, may propel us towards authoritarian dystopias. The quest thus pivots towards discovering a third attractor, a middle ground that fosters innovation while mitigating catastrophic risks. Amidst the gloom of existential threats, a sliver of hope persists. The collective human endeavor, propelled by dialogues and synthesis of diverse perspectives, harbors the potential to navigate through these turbulent times.
4 Interconnectedness
The essence of our existential dilemma lies in the interconnectedness of global issues. The skewed human propensity towards advancing parts at the cost of the whole is a fundamental flaw that necessitates a paradigm shift in our approach to problem-solving. The notion of the metacrisis, as articulated by Schmachtenberger, portrays a collective of existential risks that emerge from the interwoven structures of our societal and technological systems. This concept underscores the intricate linkages between various domains such as the economy, politics, technology, and the environment, and how challenges in one domain can reverberate across others, amplifying systemic vulnerabilities. The metacrisis serves as a lens through which the entangled nature of contemporary crises can be examined, highlighting the necessity for a holistic understanding and approach in addressing the myriad challenges that confront humanity By embracing a holistic worldview, acknowledging the interdependencies, and fostering a culture of collective problem-solving, we inch closer towards a sustainable future.
5 Failures of Activism
The narrative of activism, often driven by a narrow problem-definition, reveals a critical failure in addressing the root causes of global issues. The inadvertent negative externalities stemming from well-intended solutions underline the need for a broader, systemic approach towards activism. As we endeavor to transition from addressing symptoms to solving core issues, a critical examination of our problem-solving methodologies becomes imperative.
Furthermore, Schmachtenberger’s emphasis on improving sense-making and choice-making, both individually and collectively, to support conscious sustainable evolution, hints at the necessity for more informed and systemic approaches to activism. He reflects on the broken information ecology and how it impacts our ability to make sense of the world, which is crucial for effective activism. The emphasis on a more holistic and systemic understanding could be seen as a call for evolving activism to be more integrative and less adversarial, thereby addressing the underlying systemic issues rather than merely reacting to their symptoms
6 Catastrophic Risk
As we ponder the catastrophic risks that the modern world grapples with, it’s crucial to understand the historical perspective and the unprecedented nature of the challenges ahead. From the devastation potential of nuclear weapons to the environmental depletion resulting from our relentless pursuit of economic growth, the fabric of our global civilization is being tested like never before. Historically, civilizations rose to prominence, only to collapse under the weight of internal strife or external pressures. Whether through resource depletion, internal discord, or military conquest, most empires shared the common fate of dissolution. Today, we face a global civilization interconnected by supply chains stretching across continents, bound together by a complex web of economic and geopolitical ties. The collapse of such a civilization could spell a catastrophe of an unparalleled scale.
7 The Post WW2 System
The world system established post World War II aimed at preventing another global conflagration through mechanisms like Mutually Assured Destruction (MAD) and the Bretton Woods monetary system. While successful in averting a nuclear exchange, this system also laid the foundation for environmental degradation and an unsustainable growth paradigm.
The Bretton Woods system and the exponential growth of the global economy it encouraged, were predicated on the relentless exploitation of finite resources, leading us to the brink of numerous environmental tipping points. Moreover, the globalization fostered post-WW2, while reducing the likelihood of direct military confrontations, also created a fragile, interdependent world where disruptions in supply chains could cascade into global crises, as vividly illustrated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
8 Exponential Destructive Technology
The democratization of destructive technologies presents another layer of existential risk. The proliferation of nuclear weapons, the emergence of AI-controlled drone swarms, and advancements in biotechnology have drastically lowered the threshold for unleashing catastrophic destruction. Unlike the atomic bomb, which necessitated vast resources and a high level of expertise, some of these new technologies are within reach of small groups or even individuals, making the potential misuse an alarming prospect.
The decentralized nature of these technologies, coupled with the ease of dissemination of knowledge in the digital age, challenges traditional paradigms of risk mitigation like the MAD doctrine. The era where a handful of nation-states held a monopoly over catastrophic destructive power is giving way to a perilously fragmented landscape.
9 Near-term Risks
The immediate future holds a cocktail of risks that could trigger cascading catastrophes. Climate change, for instance, could exacerbate resource shortages, fuel migration, and potentially ignite conflicts along existing geopolitical fault lines. The societal polarization, geopolitical tensions, and environmental crises observed in recent years are symptomatic of a broader instability that is incrementally heightening the probability of catastrophic events.
As we confront an array of intertwined risks, from climate-induced resource wars to the misuse of destructive technologies, the urgency of a coordinated, holistic approach to mitigate these threats cannot be overstated.
10 The Energy Trap
The rapid ascendancy of tech giants like Facebook and Google to three billion users within a decade underscores the exponential scale and speed at which technologies can impact societies globally. Unlike traditional industries, these tech behemoths achieved a monumental reach in a fraction of the time. However, this exponential influence is a double-edged sword.
It’s also worth looking into the critical issue of diminishing returns on hydrocarbons, a cornerstone of our energy infrastructure. With the escalating demand for energy fueled by an ever-growing population and GDP, the existing hydrocarbon-based energy systems are pushed to their limits. The exploration for new sources entails venturing into more challenging terrains, driving up the energy return on energy investment. This scenario sketches a vivid picture of the challenges looming on the horizon, ranging from environmental degradation to geopolitical tensions over energy resources.
11 Perverse Incentives
A crucial framework for understanding the myriad problems arising from exponential tech is the concept of perverse incentives. These are scenarios where the interests of individuals or entities are misaligned with the collective good, leading to harmful or detrimental outcomes. This ponders the profound implications of such incentives across various sectors, from the military-industrial complex to the healthcare system, and how they drive behaviors that exacerbate existing problems or create new ones.
As technology proliferates, it amplifies the scope and scale of perverse incentives, sometimes with catastrophic consequences. For instance, the rush to harness new technologies often overlooks the potential risks, thereby creating a race to the bottom where the primary focus is on capitalizing on opportunities rather than mitigating risks.
12 Private Gains, External Losses
The dichotomy of private gains versus socialized losses lays bare the fundamental challenges in the current paradigm. The incentive to forge ahead with technological advancements often neglects the broader societal and environmental impacts. This underscores the historical instances of such negligence and its dire consequences, for example leaded gasoline and its pervasive harm to both human intelligence and societal well-being.
Moreover, there is an urgency to reimagine the relationship between market dynamics, technology, and regulation, especially in the face of exponential technologies that can have irreversible effects once unleashed.
13 Biotech Risks
Biotechnology, a frontier teeming with promise, also harbors risks that could spiral beyond control. Whether it’s synthetic biology or gene editing technologies like CRISPR, the potential for unintended consequences or misuse is significant. This extends to the challenges of containment, accidental releases, and the dark shadow of bioweaponry. It also highlights the inherent difficulties in regulating and securing such potent technologies, especially in a world where the capability to cause harm is becoming increasingly decentralized.
14 Artificial Intelligence
The final frontier when we consider both risks and solutions is artificial intelligence (AI), a domain already reshaping our societal fabric through algorithms that curate our digital interactions. From the echo chambers created by social media algorithms to the impending threat of deep fake technology, and the power of models like ChatGPT - AI presents a Pandora’s box of opportunities and challenges. There is also the global arms race for superior AI capabilities, which amplifies the risks of autonomous weaponry and other malicious uses.
It’s worth reflecting on humanity’s readiness to steward such powerful technologies responsibly. As we inch closer to developing more powerful and caperble artificial general intelligence, the imperative to align our values, regulations, and oversight mechanisms with the tremendous power at our disposal becomes ever more pressing.
15 Multipolar Traps
Multipolar traps elucidate the scenarios where diverse actors—be it nation-states, corporations, or tribes—find themselves in a competitive dynamic where short-term gains potentially lead to long-term collective adversities. The archetype of this phenomenon is the arms race, where the advent of a potent technology or weaponry propels all players into a frenzied competition to outdo each other. The dread of being left behind in this race creates a vicious cycle, fuelling further competition. This relentless pursuit of power and security, albeit paradoxical, manifests through various domains—be it the nuclear arms race, the accelerating pace of AI weaponization, or the race for market dominance.
Historically, multipolar traps have reverberated through the epochs, from early tribal warfare to modern-day geopolitical rivalries. The crux lies in the inherent inability to abstain from the race due to the fear of obliteration by those advancing unbridled. This dilemma encapsulates the essence of the ‘Prisoner’s Dilemma’ on a grander scale, where mistrust and the absence of a binding accord propel every player towards a suboptimal outcome.
16 Corporations Versus Individuals
The emergence of colossal corporations has morphed the market dynamics significantly. Unlike the bygone eras where local markets thrived on a semblance of equilibrium between supply and demand, modern-day behemoths exert an asymmetric influence. They employ sophisticated marketing strategies, behavioral psychology, and advanced analytics to drive demand, often subverting the essential principle of demand guiding supply.
Moreover, the quest for dominance transcends the market and infiltrates the political arena, where lobbying and regulatory capture become potent tools for corporations to safeguard and amplify their interests. This paints a stark picture of the power imbalance between corporations and individuals, thus necessitating a reevaluation of the fundamental tenets of governance and market operation.
17 New Governance Systems
The advent of the 21st century beckons a profound contemplation on reimagining governance systems. The traditional frameworks of checks and balances, though revolutionary in their times, now face the test of evolving with the nuanced complexities of modern civilization. The essence of democratic governance—representing the collective will of the people—necessitates an evolution to encapsulate the global challenges such as climate change and international security.
The potential lies in leveraging advanced technologies to foster a participatory governance system, where the collective wisdom is harnessed through digital platforms, transcending geographical and political boundaries. Additionally, we should consider global cooperation, where nations come together to transcend the multipolar traps through binding international accords, transparency, and enforcement mechanisms.
18 Network Dynamics
Network dynamics form the bedrock upon which modern market races are built, significantly impacting the pace and trajectory of technological advancements. These dynamics often manifest through a game theoretic lens, where entities striving to exploit opportunities tend to outpace those focused on mitigating potential harms. This notion is further accentuated when we venture into the realm of emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), that harbor the potential for monumental or even catastrophic impacts.
Central to understanding network dynamics is Metcalfe’s Law, which posits that the value of a network is proportionate to the square of the number of its users. This principle elucidates the allure of achieving a substantial user base, as it not only elevates the value of a platform but also propels it towards a market dominance, often leading to a quasi-monopolistic stature.
Companies or platforms like Google, Facebook, and Amazon epitomize this phenomenon, having transcended to a level of market penetration that almost self-propels their growth, further entrenching their dominance. This accelerative growth, akin to achieving an “escape velocity,” intensifies the market race, urging entities to prioritize speed-to-market and rapid user adoption, often at the expense of due diligence and risk mitigation.
19 Solving Multi-polar traps
Addressing multi-polar traps demands a concerted effort to navigate the perverse game theoretic incentives that often culminate in a collective action failure. The quintessence of these traps lies in the inherent mistrust and lack of coordination amongst players, be it on an international or corporate stage, fostering a climate of opacity as opposed to transparency.
One of the potential pathways towards alleviating the grip of multi-polar traps is fostering a culture of forced transparency. An exemplar of this notion is the proposition of leveraging satellite imaging networks like Planet Labs to monitor and attribute harmful activities, such as pollution, on a global scale. Such transparency initiatives could revolutionize the accountability frameworks, making it difficult for entities to obscure detrimental actions, thereby reconfiguring the game theoretic space towards a more cooperative and responsible orientation.
Moreover, what can also consider scenarios where transparent solutions might triumph over opaque ones in a game-theoretical context. This involves a critical examination of information asymmetry and its implications on both national security and participatory governance.
20 Centralising Power
In the realm of surveillance, a concern emerges regarding who has access and control over the surveillance systems. The primary objective of these systems is to prevent catastrophic events which is an understandable and significant goal. However, the adjudication of right use and access to such surveillance systems can easily lead to a dystopian scenario resembling Orwell’s “Big Brother”. For instance, in China, the government has taken measures to regulate technologies and social media platforms to tackle challenges they deem catastrophic to their civilization.
Through a system like the Sesame Credit and AI-mediated IoT surveillance, China aims to prevent decentralized catastrophic technologies, thereby creating a centralized power structure. While such centralization addresses certain issues, it also raises existential questions about the desirable characteristics of a civilization. The lack of a system akin to science for studying subjective and intersubjective world hinders the guidance of technology towards what is good or wise, often leaving game theory as the closest model for making choices.
One alternative to centralization is showcased through the Swedish approach to power that emphasizes transparency over opaqueness. By assuming rivals would discover hidden information anyway, Sweden does not withhold information from its own populace, resulting in higher trust in government and better coordination among governmental departments. This transparency reduces duplication and waste, promotes checking corruption, and enhances efficiency and integrity. The example suggests that transparency could potentially drive a race to the top among nations, fostering international agreement and addressing the multipolar trap - a situation where parties act according to their self-interest leading to a collectively undesired outcome.
21 Collective Intelligence
With the advent of exponential computational technologies, there’s a potential to foster better coordination systems. However, the idea is not to have AI disintermediating humans but rather facilitating human collective intelligence. Current systems like binary voting on propositions often fail to consider the interconnected nature of issues, leading to polarization. Enhanced systems of collective intelligence could be devised to better understand interconnected issues, craft better propositions, and employ improved voting systems to achieve synergistic solutions with the least amount of trade-offs.
One of the challenges in achieving collective intelligence is the information singularity - the point where there’s more information than any expert can process. While one solution could be to merge human intelligence with AI through brain-computer interfaces, another could be to employ AI like ChatGPT to process and synthesize vast amounts of information into decision-informing content. This doesn’t replace human decision-making but augments it, offering a synthesized view of relevant information to inform decisions better. The potential of technology like ChatGPT extends to reshaping search, transforming it from finding existing content to generating bespoke content based on synthesized information. This could significantly aid in solving complex, interconnected problems by providing synthesized information tailored to specific decision-making needs. However, the control and configuration of such algorithms remain a crucial concern, and the collective intelligence system must allow for various configurations to cater to different criteria and perspectives.
22 Understanding the Problem
The first step towards solution-finding is a profound understanding of the problems we face. The quote by Charles Kettering, “a problem fully understood is half solved,” resonates deeply when it comes to preventing catastrophes and dystopias. However, the real quandary arises when the problems are not well-understood, leading to a convoluted problem space filled with interconnected issues. The narrative takes a turn towards exploring the essence of a “third attractor,” a hypothetical framework that aims at preventing human-induced catastrophes. There is also the dilemma of individual freedom versus collective security, and the necessity of a well-orchestrated global system to prevent catastrophic outcomes. We could also consider the possibility of a coordinated power structure capable of both preventing dystopias and maintaining checks and balances.
23 Benevolent Dictatorship Doesn’t Work
The idea of a benevolent dictatorship, governed either by an ethically programmed AI or an enlightened human leader, may seem like a viable solution at first glance. However, the historical and theoretical analysis presented disputes this notion, citing a multipolar trap that inevitably nudges a benevolent dictator towards malevolence, both externally and internally.
“The Dictator’s Handbook” describes how leaders, including dictators, primarily operate to secure their power, often at the expense of the broader population’s welfare. Similarly, CGP Grey’s “Rules for Rulers” outlines the mechanics of power retention and how rulers are incentivized to prioritize their interests and those of their key supporters over the well-being of the general populace. These works collectively highlight the inherent pitfalls and self-serving dynamics of dictatorships, even if they are initially intended to be benevolent.
24 Hyper-Agents
The concept of hyper agents emerges as a focal point in understanding the disproportionate influence certain individuals wield over societal and civilizational trajectories. Hyper agency describes how a select few, through their exceptional capabilities, can significantly influence the course of history, much more than an average individual could. Humans seem to have differential capacities from other apex predators, leading to the realization of humans’ unique capability to affect the world on a much larger scale, a trait that also could make them responsible stewards of global resources.
25 The Great Game of Power
In the modern era, the great game of power unfolds through a race for dominance in exponential technologies and network dynamics. The 21st-century incarnation of this game is different from previous centuries, with nations and large corporations vying for control over critical resources, technologies, and platforms. Strategic actors in this game are hyper agents and institutions, each with distinct roles and influences. We might also consider China’s long-term planning, the race for 5G, and digital currencies, among other aspects, portraying a vivid picture of the ongoing power dynamics on the global stage.
26 Egregores
The term “egregore” traces its roots possibly to medieval magic, embodying the idea of a collective spirit born from a group engaged in shared rituals or ideologies. Its modern application sees it representing self-organizing mimetic tribes or cultural entities operating in a coordinated capacity sans a structured institutional backing. Unlike institutions, egregores lack mandated charters, and aren’t guided by a hyper agent, but instead evolve as emergent cultural phenomena exerting substantial influence.
Egregores, depicted as self-propelled cultural attractors, are identified as strategic actors within the societal milieu. They exhibit an intertwined relationship with hyper agents and institutions. Hyper agents, for instance, may seek to bolster an egregore aligned with their interests to counter another adversarial egregore. This interplay often manifests through social media, lobbying or campaigning, aiming to sway institutions in favor of certain ideologies.
An illustrative dichotomy in contemporary U.S. society can be seen through ‘wokism’ and its counter, possibly termed as ‘anti-wokism’ or ‘magaism’. These egregores, representing large segments of the populace, influence institutions and hyper agents either to diminish or bolster power based on aligned or opposing values.
One underlying concern is the contradiction between individuals driven to amass power and those predisposed to steward it for collective well-being. Institutions, albeit housing more resources, grapple with coordination challenges, often decaying into bureaucratic quagmires over time. The aim is to foster institutions resistant to decay, corruption, and capture, and support the emergence of egregores oriented towards collective betterment rather than opposition.
27 Technology and Ethics
The advent of advanced technology has ushered in human-induced catastrophic risks, prominently seen in environmental degradation and nuclear threats. The leverage of human choice, exponentially amplified by technology, intensifies the ramifications of flawed decisions. The centrality of computation, with Artificial Intelligence (AI) at its core, heralds both immediate existential threats and solutions to multipolar traps.
A common narrative posits technology as a neutral extension of human capacity, its impact solely determined by human values and ethics. However, this neutrality myth is debunked when examining technology’s intrinsic problem-solving nature and its capacity to accentuate power asymmetries and environmental devastation. We might contrast technology as an inherently good problem solver or a fundamentally bad catalyst for social and environmental discord.
28 Technology changes Society
Technology undeniably modulates human values by altering behaviors, which in turn shape societal norms and values. Historical instances, like the advent of the plow, reveal how technology can reconfigure religious beliefs, economic systems, and cultural institutions. The plow, for instance, initiated a shift from animism, impacted gender roles, and birthed class systems through surplus production and inheritance structures.
This historical lens elucidates that technology isn’t merely a tool but a catalyst for complex psycho-social transformations. The patterns of behavior induced by technology use mold the human psyche and, on a grand scale, sculpt societal and cultural contours. These externalities, both physical and psychosocial, spotlight the recursive relationship between human values and technology.
30 Wisdom of Gods
We might consider the burgeoning technological prowess of humans to the power of gods of ancient religions. The risks and collective action problems arising from this god-like power underscore the need for a commensurate level of wisdom, responsibility, and prudence in governance.
Various conjectures arise from this, some envisioning a self-terminating civilization due to inherent human flaws, while others propose radical solutions like genetic engineering or AI overlords.
31 An Ecology of Solutions
In confronting global challenges, what can consider the harmful effects of reductionist approaches that focus solely on either technological, economic, or cultural solutions. Instead, we could advocate for an “ecology of theory of changes” where multiple solutions intertwine in virtuous relationships, addressing various facets of the problem.
For instance, improving energy efficiency might lead to Jevons Paradox, where increased efficiency results in more energy usage. Here, the need arises for a blend of technological, legal, and cultural shifts to ensure sustainability, signifying that no singular theory of change suffices.
32 Embracing Human Potential
Despite historical evidence of human rivalry and irrationality, there’s a strong argument for the plasticity and potential inherent in human nature. This highlights how different cultures and environments can radically alter human behavior, transcending the rigid molds of genetic determinism.
From the example of education-centric cultures to those exhibiting lower levels of violence, the breadth of human experience and behavior under various cultural superstructures is profound. This plasticity underscores the potential for positive cultural evolution, even in the face of daunting global challenges.
33 Education
The debate around education has long been a vibrant one, tracing back to different eras and models. A remarkable model that surfaces in this discussion is the aristocratic tutoring model. Historically, this model was a pathway for many polymaths and prodigious minds to nurture their intellect. Wealth dynamics played a significant role, enabling the affluent to afford the best tutors to educate the young minds in various disciplines. A quintessential example can be found in Marcus Aurelius, a philosopher-emperor, who in his “Meditations,” attributes his knowledge to his numerous elite tutors.
A study explored the commonalities among world-class mathematicians and discovered a striking fact: almost all of them were mentored by a world-class mathematician at a young age. This nurtures a thought-provoking question: can average tutors invoke the kind of inspiration and mindset needed to reach that level of mastery? This model allowed a small fraction of individuals to have a customized and profound educational experience, a luxury that was undemocratic but highly effective.
Transitioning towards a more egalitarian approach to education broadened the access to learning, but may have diluted the essence of profound understanding and synthesis necessary to tackle complex global issues. Iconic thinkers like Isaac Newton and Descartes, and even more recent minds like Einstein and Von Neumann, were all beneficiaries of specialized tutoring during their formative years which arguably set the foundation for their groundbreaking contributions.
Now, as we confront the era of technological automation and AI, questions about democratizing this aristocratic tutoring model resurface. Can we make this profound level of education available to all, and not just a privileged few?
34 The Intersection of Technology and Education
The impending wave of technological unemployment due to AI and robotic automation presents both a challenge and an opportunity. One possible pathway is diverting human labor towards high-touch, connection-oriented services, such as nursing or education. This could usher in a renaissance of value for professions centered around human connection and care, with education being a prime candidate. Moreover, advancements in AI could potentially revolutionize the tutoring model. Imagine a virtual realm where students could interact with AI versions of historical polymaths, engaging in deep dialogues with the likes of Socrates, Von Neumann, or Einstein. Zack Stein, explores this very idea, demonstrating how AI like ChatGPT could emulate the conversational style of these great thinkers, offering a personalized, aristocratic tutoring experience to every student.
Of course, the human element remains irreplaceable. The trust, love, and understanding that form the foundation of a teacher-student relationship can’t be replicated by AI. However, combining AI with human tutors could create a rich, interactive, and highly personalized educational environment, facilitating a deeper understanding and excitement towards learning.
35 Concluding Thoughts
The journey through the nuances of education, from the aristocratic tutoring model to the potential democratization of this model through technology, opens up avenues for collective reflection. The underlying drivers of various global challenges are intertwined, and understanding them can transition the realm of solutions from seemingly impossible to possibly tractable.
Education stands at the core of addressing these challenges. Through a blend of technology and human-centric approaches, there lies a potential to not just democratize education, but elevate it to a level where the synthesis of knowledge and the nurturing of critical, compassionate thinkers become a reality for all, not just a select few, that might help develop individuals and socieites better oriented towards solutions to the Metacrisis - creating a Third Attractor.
36 AI, The Meta-crisis and Homo Deus
The concepts of metacrisis and the third attractor, and the ideas presented by Yuval Noah Harari in his book “Homo Deus” both delve into the future of humanity in the face of exponential technological growth, albeit from different vantage points. How do these ideas relate and compare?
Schmachtenberger’s metacrisis encapsulates a collection of existential risks humanity faces, largely exacerbated by current societal systems which trend towards either catastrophic or oppressive authoritarian outcomes. The third attractor, as proposed by Schmachtenberger, presents a pathway to navigate away from these dire trajectories by leveraging exponential technologies to create a more antifragile world, fostering better coordination and addressing the root causes of these systemic issues.
On the other hand, Yuval Harari in “Homo Deus” explores the potential future where humans achieve god-like capabilities, largely driven by advancements in technology. Harari discusses the rise of algorithms and how they might govern human lives, replacing human decision-making processes and redefining concepts of free will and individualism. He posits a future where humanity’s pursuit of god-like powers, facilitated by technological advancements, could redefine the essence of human life and the societal framework.
The intersection of these ideas can be seen in the examination of the potential and perils of exponential technological growth. While Schmachtenberger offers a framework to navigate the challenges posed by such growth, Harari delves into the philosophical and existential alterations that might arise as humanity treads along this path. Both thinkers prompt a reconsideration of current societal structures and the need for a more conscious and coordinated approach towards harnessing technological advancements for the betterment of humanity, albeit presenting different lenses to view and address these impending challenges.
37 References
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