The Perils of Imitating Technology: A Philosophical Inquiry
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Chapter 1: The Abbot's Wisdom
In the essay "Imitatio Machina," originally published at Return.Life, the author reflects on a profound experience during a five-year journey of exploring a religious vocation, particularly while in Italy. During a retreat at a monastery in Umbria, the author formed a connection with the abbot, who observed a troubling trend among novices. One evening, upon noticing the author entering the chapel with a stack of books, the abbot offered a gentle suggestion: "Maybe next time, leave the books in your room."
He revealed that, over the years, he had observed novices bringing books into the chapel as prayer aids. This phenomenon began in the mid-2000s, likely spurred by the rise of digital devices. The abbot speculated that people were starting to perceive prayer in a mechanistic manner, akin to how computers operate. This perspective fostered a fear of self-directed thought, leading individuals to believe that their thoughts were valueless without external input.
This encounter deeply resonated with the author. The next visit to the chapel was marked by silence and introspection, devoid of any books. The realization that a machine-like mindset was infiltrating their spiritual practices was sobering.
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Section 1.1: The Danger of Imitation
The tendency for humans to imitate machines—objects crafted by our own hands—poses a risk to our distinctly human qualities. The more we mimic these creations, the more we risk losing our unique capabilities. Psalm 115 illustrates this point poignantly:
Their idols are silver and gold,
the work of human hands.
They have mouths, but do not speak;
eyes, but do not see.
They have ears, but do not hear;
noses, but do not smell.
They have hands, but do not feel;
feet, but do not walk;
they make no sound in their throats.
Those who make them are like them;
so are all who trust in them.
While technology has the capacity to benefit humanity significantly, it is crucial that we do not emulate it blindly. This is a particularly challenging temptation to overcome, as humans are inherently skilled imitators. René Girard's concept of "mimetic desire" underscores our tendency to adopt the desires of those around us, turning to others as models for our aspirations.
Now, our models extend beyond fellow humans to include our technological devices.
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Section 1.2: The Impact of Social Media
Research from Instagram has highlighted the detrimental effects of social media on mental health, particularly among young girls. A significant number reported worsening body image issues, illustrating how digital platforms can distort reality and shape behaviors. The ways in which users interact with the real world are increasingly influenced by their experiences online.
A new generation is emerging, heavily influenced by the accessibility of explicit content through technology, leading to a shift in societal norms surrounding the human body. This pervasive consumption exemplifies how our mediated realities shape our perceptions and desires.
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Chapter 2: The Blurring of Reality
The distinction between what is human and what is not is becoming increasingly ambiguous. Dr. Andrew Meltzoff's "like me" theory, which suggests that infants naturally imitate other humans rather than machines, may no longer hold true as adults increasingly emulate technology.
The modern technological landscape has led to a confusion between human nature and the artificial constructs we create. The former CEO of Google, Eric Schmidt, predicted that the internet would blend seamlessly into everyday life, fundamentally altering our relationship with technology.
The current environment, as described by Martin Heidegger, is characterized by a total framing of reality, where even our efforts to escape technology are mediated by it. This convergence erodes our understanding of what is authentically human.
In summary, the modern individual struggles with the question posed by Yuval Noah Harari: "What do we want to want?" In a world where powerful models of desire are scarce, it is imperative to seek out genuine representations of humanity that inspire us to be our best selves, rather than succumbing to the allure of mediocrity presented by technological imitations.
To achieve this, we must embrace an anti-mimetic approach, rejecting the superficial models available to us in favor of authentic, expansive visions of humanity that transcend mere human craftsmanship.
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