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 method’s emphasis on falsifiability, empirical evidence, incremental progress, and predictive power, makes it humanity’s most powerful tool for unraveling the mysteries of the universe. But can it reveal absolute truths, and knowledge about things like our own consciousness, that aren’t directly observable? We explore some important limitations and criticisms of the scientific method.
Google has a profound influence on the worldwide production and consumption of information with its search engine, YouTube, and other products. The U.S. Government’s antitrust lawsuit, and the way some websites use the company’s undisclosed algorithms to manipulate users, highlight serious questions about transparency, regulation, and misinformation that could be especially important in global elections in 2024.
Artificial intelligence research at universities is attracting significant funding from the military and its contractors in a global battle to attract the brightest minds. As the military invests in cognitive AI research and developing autonomous systems, what will the future of AI education look like?
Space governance is rapidly emerging as a major international concern to address challenges such as space debris, commercialization of space, and space-based weapons. The United Nations is among the major players in space governance, calling for new standards of international collaboration and highlighting the consequences of new technologies that pose dangers as well as opportunities as humanity extends its reach further into the cosmos.
Recent months saw major advances in AI regulations, with the U.S. President’s executive order and the European Union’s AI Act set for enactment in 2024. With the technological power on display at the Geneva AI humanoid press conference, the world grapples with the challenge of balancing innovation and responsibility in AI.
As the brain is essential to our survival, mental wellbeing deserves high ranking in our technological priorities. Threats to the brain’s functioning include heat and climate change, as well as online emotional triggers that polarize opinions and beliefs. When the threats are understood, technology holds great potential to advance the human mind.
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.