A (start of a?) Journey into Synthetic Cognition
When it feels like there's nothing better to do, one must go for a PhD. Admission decision pending.
Constant Reader, I'm thrilled to share with you the beginning (fingers crossed) of an exciting academic adventure. As I'm waiting for the decision whether I will be admitted to a PhD program, I wanted to share some of the questions about the future of human autonomy and knowledge in our increasingly digital world that formed the basis of my proposal.
The Big Questions
At the heart of my research proposal are two critical issues that affect us all:
Are we losing control? As AI systems become more integrated into our decision-making processes, are we unknowingly surrendering our autonomy?
Can we trust what we know? In a world where the lines between reality and virtual experiences are blurring, how do we maintain the integrity of our knowledge?
These aren't just abstract philosophical musings. They're questions that will shape the very fabric of our society as these technologies become more ubiquitous.
Why This Matters
Imagine a world where:
Your AI assistant makes most of your daily decisions, from what you eat to who you date.
You spend more time in virtual worlds than in the physical one.
Your perception of reality is constantly augmented by AR overlays.
Sounds like sci-fi? It's closer than you think. And it's crucial that we start grappling with the ethical implications now.
What I'd Want to Explore Further
Over the course of my studies, I'd be diving into:
The transfer of human autonomy to AI systems
The tension between enhanced capabilities and reduced self-governance in tech-augmented environments
The role of "distributed morality" in shaping our knowledge creation and application processes
The epistemological shifts caused by AI, VR, and AR-mediated information access
The ethical responsibilities of tech designers, users, and regulators
A Sneak Peek at My Approach
My research would combine philosophical analysis with real-world case studies. I'll be drawing on the work of brilliant minds like Neil Lawrence, Sherry Turkle, David Chalmers, Nick Bostrom, and Deborah Johnson (and there are many more) to build a framework for understanding these complex issues.
What's Next?
This would just be the beginning! Over the coming months and years, I'd be sharing regular updates on my research, including:
Deep dives into specific ethical dilemmas
Interviews with experts in AI, VR, and AR (ethics)
Breakdowns of fascinating case studies
Thought experiments to challenge our assumptions about technology and humanity
I can't wait to take you all along on this intellectual journey. Together, we'd explore the frontiers of synthetic cognition and grapple with what it means to be human in an increasingly digital world.
Stay tuned for more posts as I unpack these ideas further. And don't hesitate to share your thoughts and questions with me. After all, navigating this brave new world is going to take all of us thinking critically and creatively!
Until next time.
Justas