17. AI and the Wrath of Khan't: From Technology Panics to Solar Punk Futures

In this episode, Stephen Taylor from Regent's University London unpacks our historical tendency to panic about new technologies - from the Luddites destroying textile machinery to farmers blocking tractors, and now AI systems. As Learning Technology Lead, Stephen occupies what he terms the 'third space,' straddling academic and professional services to offer a unique vantage point on technological adoption.Using Bourdieu's habitus as our starting point, we examine how society's collective experiences programme our fearful responses to innovation, whilst media outlets amplify anxieties for headlines. Stephen draws a crucial distinction between AI and search engines: whilst Google provides answers, AI serves as an ideation partner for creative exploration. He doesn't shy away from discussing thorny issues like cultural bias in training data and the risk of 'algorithmic colonisation.'Rather than standing as obstacles to progress, Stephen urges us to climb into the driver's seat of technological change. His 'solar punk' vision - inspired by Star Trek's utopian future - imagines AI enhancing rather than replacing human creativity. We discuss practical applications like Goblin Tools for neurodivergent users, whilst addressing serious concerns about AI's environmental footprint and equitable representation.Stephen leaves us with the thought that by delegating mundane tasks to AI, we might actually become 'more human' - free to pursue creative and meaningful work that defines our humanity.AI Ethics Now Exploring the ethical dilemmas of AI in Higher Education and beyond. A University of Warwick IATL Podcast This podcast series was developed by Dr Tom Ritchie and Dr Jennie Mills, the module leads of the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠IATL module ⁠"The AI Revolution: Ethics, Technology, and Society"⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ at the University of Warwick. The AI Revolution module explores the history, current state, and potential futures of artificial intelligence, examining its profound impact on society, individuals, and the very definition of 'humanness.'   This podcast was initially designed to provide a deeper dive into the key themes explored each week in class. We want to share the discussions we have had to help offer a broader, interdisciplinary perspective on the ethical and societal implications of artificial intelligence to a wider audience. Join each fortnight for new critical conversations on AI Ethics with local, national, and international experts. We will discuss: - Ethical Dimensions of AI: Fairness, bias, transparency, and accountability. - Societal Implications: How AI is transforming industries, economies, and our understanding of humanity. - The Future of AI: Potential benefits, risks, and shaping a future where AI serves humanity. If you want to join the podcast as a guest, contact [email protected].