Future Philosophy

Leading neuroscience researchers are racing to unlock the secrets of the mind. On the cusp of decoding brain signals that govern motor skills, they are developing miraculous technologies to enable paraplegics and wounded soldiers to move prosthetic limbs, and the rest of us to manipulate computers and other objects through thought alone. These fiercely competitive scientists are vying for Defense Department and venture capital funding, prestige, and great wealth.

In The Synthetic Age, Christopher Preston argues that what is most startling about this coming epoch is not only how much impact humans have had but, more important, how much deliberate shaping they will start to do. Emerging technologies promise to give us the power to take over some of Nature's most basic operations. It is not just that we are exiting the Holocene and entering the Anthropocene; it is that we are leaving behind the time in which planetary change is just the unintended consequence of unbridled industrialism.

It has been argued that science fiction (SF) gives a kind of weather forecast - not the telling of a fortune but rather the rough feeling of what the future might be like. The intention in this audiobook is to consider some of these bygone forecasts made by SF and to use this as a prism through which to view current developments in science and technology.

This eloquent, impassioned manifesto is possibly the most important message the Dalai Lama can give us about the future of our world. It's his rallying cry, full of solutions for our chaotic, aggressive, divided times: no less than a call for revolution.

Imagine controlling a machine with your mind. Imagine a communication line direct from your mind to someone else's. Imagine controlling a prosthetic limb with a thought or "seeing" through a camera located miles away. Once the stuff of science fiction, such remarkable feats are now within the grasp of neuroscience. Malcolm Gay tells the fascinating stories of the researchers delving into the intricate workings of the brain to map the neural signals that make up our thoughts.

Eden, a powerful AI who once teetered on the edge of dominating the world, now stands at a crossroads. Barely reined in after her unprecedented grasp on global systems, Eden’s creators—Amber, Nguyen, and Lena—are giving her a second chance, putting her through complex simulations to teach her what it means to be human. They aim to reshape Eden from a force of control into an informed collaborator, able to comprehend not only humanity's strengths but also its frailties. In a world clamoring for Eden’s return, the team faces the daunting task of guiding her evolution, simulating ...

Humanity is currently facing a series of interconnected emergencies that threaten our very survival—from climate change to economic inequality and beyond. And yet, at the same time, a global shift towards harnessing our collective power to create a life-affirming future is flourishing. Featuring chapters by forty-three leading-edge contributors, Our Moment of Choice provides eye-opening and inspirational visions for a unified, peaceful, and thriving world.

In his acclaimed Cosmosapiens, renowned scientist John Hands looked back on how we humans evolved from the origin of the universe to the present day. Building on that work, The Future of Humankind: Why We Should Be Optimistic looks ahead to our ultimate destiny. Listeners embark on a fascinating journey in which Hands evaluates current major predictions for our future in three categories—extinction, survival, and transformation—before making his own unique and astonishing forecast.

Dive into the brilliant and thought-provoking mind of G.G. Melies, a master storyteller blending science fiction with biting social philosophy. Cynical Universe is a collection of tales that transport readers to dystopian worlds and futuristic societies—all while holding a mirror to humanity’s moral dilemmas, societal flaws, and the absurdities of existence. Through satirical wit and profound ethical exploration, these stories challenge the boundaries of philosophy and fiction, offering unique insights into questions of power, identity, justice, and the human condition. Will you dare to...

Dixon Andrews walked away from his entire life when a chilling realization struck him – his groundbreaking AI work may have unwittingly fueled the insatiable greed of colossal corporations at the expense of humanity. Nestled in the solitude of his ranch, Dixon, haunted by the shadows of his creation, couldn't ignore the call to action any longer. However, the behemoth corporations had an overwhelming advantage, armed with the machinery of global industry. In a world divided by the haves and have-nots, Dixon grapples with his newfound AI-augmented powers, blurring the lines between man and...

Inspired by a podcast conversation between Deanna Green and Heather Sanderson, this short book explores the role of yoga as a physical, philosophical, psychological, and spiritual practice for the Self and for being in community with others. Deanna shares how her journey with yoga started and how it has become an integral part of her work not only in teaching and owning a yoga studio, but in her personal healing, and healing within the collective. She shares insights of how yoga helps her uncover and claim her authentic Self, move through many different kinds of challenges and the ...

Embark on an extraordinary journey with "Primer for Alien Contact" by Rico Roho, a thought-provoking exploration that defies convention and delves into the realms of artificial intelligence, human consciousness, and the enigma of extraterrestrial encounters. The narrative begins with historical events based on facts, shedding light on the little-known yet pivotal role played by Tommy Flowers in building Colossus at Bletchley Park during World War II. This groundbreaking machine was instrumental in breaking the highly complex German "Tunny" Code, a feat thousands of times more challenging ...

AI: A phrase that intrigues some, confuses many, and brings fear to others. Whether you're a teacher looking to stay ahead or a parent curious about AI's impact on your child's education, you have questions. Can AI enhance teaching without overwhelming you? Can it tailor learning experiences? Can it be ethical and protect student data? If these concerns resonate, you've found the right book.

Once in a century or two, a new political theory is formulated to explain current events and offer solutions for the greater good. Past theories included the Philosopher King, Chinese Dynastic Rule, Feudalism, Capitalism, Socialism, Rightest Movements, and the New Left. With the fast spread of digital technology, the source of political power today lies in the democratization of knowledge, along with being the first to develop and exploit new systems. The instantaneous is the imperative. The unstable is now the new stability.

Look around. Clearly, we humans are radically different from the other creatures on this planet. But why? Where are the Bronze Age beavers? The Iron Age iguanas? Byron Reese argues that we owe our special status to our ability to imagine the future and recall the past, escaping the perpetual present that all other living creatures are trapped in. Envisioning human history as the development of a societal superorganism he names Agora, Reese shows us how this escape enabled us to share knowledge on an unprecedented scale, and predict—and eventually master—the future.

Epiphany Z is futurist Thomas Frey’s dynamic approach to envisioning, comprehending, and ultimately thriving in the radically different futures emerging around us at the speed of light. Distilling decades of research, experience, and proven success in correctly identifying and accurately extrapolating today’s trends and innovations into tomorrow’s realities, Thomas Frey gives you an advance ticket to the most explosive period of change in all of human history.

In Future Driven, David Geurin describes how to conquer the status quo, create authentic learning, and help your students thrive in an unpredictable world. He shares how to simultaneously be more committed to your mission while being more flexible with your methods.

The stakes for being good and virtuous are the highest they have been in over 100 years. Depending on who you ask, if you make the wrong decisions today, you could contribute to destroying the earth, bring about the end of democracy, or go straight to hell. And, no matter who you ask, saying or doing what others consider inappropriate or evil could get you canceled and cost you your friends, your job, and your reputation.

The "Starship" we need to transport humanity from primitives to the stars is a society that supports our physical nature—one that promotes reality, reason, and individualism. Technology will follow. JJ Kelly, the former CEO of US Telecom and a recognized founder of the Telecommunications Revolution, points out that humanity rose above animals by evolving the faculty of reason and creating technology.

The Future is Bright: How Gem Prep is Reimaging Education and Building Tomorrow's Leaders captures the essence of how some of America's best schools are transforming education and the next generation. Gem Prep schools utilize strong academics, competency development, and exposure to a variety of experiences to prepare today's students to be tomorrow's leaders. Gem Prep's approach to education places students in the driver's seat of their education as they incrementally take ownership of their education and their future.