James DiGiovanna DOI:10.1093/oso/9780190652951.003.0020 Enhancement and AI create moral dilemmas not envisaged in standard ethical theories. Some of this stems from the increased malleability of personal identity that this technology affords: an artificial being can instantly alter its memory, preferences, and moral character. If a self can, at will, jettison essential identity-giving characteristics, how are we…
The famous social robot is about to start rolling off the assembly line. KRISTIN HOUSER11 September, 2021 Credit: Hanson Robotics This article was originally published on Freethink. When Sophia the robot debuted in 2016, she was one of a kind. She had a remarkably lifelike appearance and demeanor for a robot, and her ability to interact with…
The Invisible Landscape
“Bard of the Archaic Revival” Terence McKenna, the visionary ethnobotanist and self-proclaimed “bard of the archaic revival,” offered a unique, often exhilarating, and occasionally alarming perspective on the burgeoning cyberculture of the late 20th century. Far from a conventional technologist, McKenna approached the digital realm through the lens of psychedelics, shamanism, and a deep, almost mystical, understanding of […]
Hallucinogens, also known as psychedelics, are a class of psychoactive substances that profoundly alter perception, mood, and thought processes. Their modern usage is multifaceted, ranging from a burgeoning field of clinical research and therapy to spiritual practices and recreational use. Understanding their role, benefits, and dangers requires a nuanced approach, acknowledging both their therapeutic potential and inherent risks. I. […]
The inevitability of bottom-up organization across different parts of the world stems from its inherent strengths in system-maintenance, schooling, adaptive learning, and inclusivity, while also reflecting a deep historical precedent of cooperative networks. This approach, though sometimes slower in decision-making, leverages the collective intelligence and agency of individuals directly involved, leading to more resilient, relevant, […]
