Technology, in its broadest sense, means “the way we do things” – which can be manual, mechanical, and electronic. What does the way we do things say about the evolution of knowledge, and of our perspectives and priorities, over time? Does our technology reveal the mindset of its inventors, and those who use it?
Technology is the product of human knowledge, applied to a particular purpose. The applications of our technology change over time, but why do they change and what are the causes of our inventions? Are there times when we adapt to our technology, and other times when our technology adapts to us? Who – or what – determines the future course of the way we do things, and how do the rest of us have a say in the matter? Join in this ongoing dialogue as we explore the frontiers of technology from the combined perspectives of its developers and its users.
The scientific research on climate change is robust and presents alarming perspectives for the survival of our species. Several international organizations have been making efforts to encourage a change in our approach toward climate change. While countries have been slower than expected in taking action, there is optimism with the upcoming COP28 meeting.
Since receiving citizenship from Saudi Arabia in 2017, for over five years Sophia has been the world’s first-ever robot citizen. As the technology of humanoid machines and AI advances, so must our legislation and perhaps even our ethical reasoning. We survey the latest developments in global AI regulations.
Technology has now taken us to the boundary of the black hole at the centre of the Milky Way, where space and time end. Will it lead to new discoveries in quantum mechanics? And if we find what lies beyond, how would that change our understanding of cause and effect in time?
There is increasing urgency to develop new cryptography standards, as the power of the quantum computer threatens to expose sensitive private information and critical secrets. Governments, academia, and industry are launching initiatives – but will they produce a standard in time for the quantum computing revolution?
With Neuralink planning to implant a computer interface in a human brain in 2023, we wonder what the technology will mean to the future of human interactions and experience. With so much of the brain’s function still unknown, and many ethical issues to address, maybe the biggest question – if you were receiving an implant – would be “Where do I end and where does the machine begin?”
Will we become the servants of our technology or will it serve us? The two choices we face with the tremendous creative and destructive power of today’s technology will shape the reality of tomorrow. The future hangs in the balance of our imagination.
The Quantum Record is a non-profit journal of philosophy, science, technology, and time. The potential of the future is in the human mind and heart, and in the common ground that we all share on the road to tomorrow. Promoting reflection, discussion, and imagination, The Quantum Record highlights the good work of good people and aims to join many perspectives in shaping the best possible time to come. We would love to stay in touch with you, and add your voice to the dialogue.