Inspired by the course New Paradigms in Ethics in Semester Three, I created a podcast called Machines & Meaning. The podcast’s idea is quite simple: Examine AI through the lens of different philosophers to reflect on how this technology impacts our lives. New Paradigms in Ethics was an unexpectedly inspiring course. Taught by Professor David Grumett, it took an untraditional approach by asking students to create a podcast, not a traditional academic paper, for their final assignments. Initially, I was somewhat dismissive of the idea, thinking that a podcast was too pedestrian of a format or something. However, Professor Grumett encouraged us to think about creating content for non-expert audiences, arguing that topics like philosophy and theology are often inaccessible simply because of how we talk and write about them. This got me thinking about another course I took in Semester Two called Translational Data and Artificial Intelligence Ethics, which also examined how to connect expert and non-expert audiences in an effort to ensure that ethics are instilled and maintained throughout the ecosystem of different users.
I actually had a lot of fun creating the podcast, and I am currently working on the script for the second one that focuses on Lewis Mumford, a cultural author, sociologist, and philosopher who had some pretty interesting ideas on polytechnic vs. monotechnic technology. What makes the podcasts fun is that these philosophers were not around to see the modern incarnation of AI. However, their perspectives are still relevant and insightful, regardless of which forms of technology they were around to witness. This is a testament to how enduring their ideas actually are.
It’s important to point out that this podcast is purely a passion project and not something I intended to monetize. I realized that when my time at Edinburgh is over, I likely won’t have the same kind of academic outlet I have now that allows me to research, think, and write about these topics deeply. So the podcast is really my way of being kind to my future self, so that I can continue thinking and discussing these topics. Only time will tell where this new idea leads.