Modem Futura

In this episode of Modum Futura Live, Sean and Andrew explore the concept of digital realities and simulated worlds. They discuss the technological advancements that have made immersive virtual and augmented realities possible, the ethical implications of creating such environments, and the potential impact on human experiences and growth. The conversation gets into the balance between the allure of simulated experiences and the necessity of real-life challenges for personal development. In this engaging conversation, Sean and Andrew explore the complexities of human growth, the implications of simulated realities, and the ethical considerations surrounding technology. They discuss the necessity of adversity for personal development, the potential moral dilemmas of escapist digital environments, and the addictive nature of modern platforms. The conversation also raises the issue of ownership and diversity in virtual worlds, the paradox of fiction, and the future of technology in shaping human experiences. Sean and Andrew recorded this episode in front of a live studio audience. Modem Futura was hosted at the Pub as part of the Thunderbird School of Global Management, located in Downtown Phoenix Arizona. Links: Thunderbird School of Global Management - https://thunderbird.asu.edu Simulated Reality Definition [wikipedia]    -----Modem Futura is a production of the Future of Being Human initiative at Arizona State University. Be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows. To learn more about the Future of Being Human initiative and all of our other projects visit - https://futureofbeinghuman.asu.eduHost Bios:Sean M. Leahy, PhD - ASU BioSean is an an internationally recognized technologist, futurist, and educator innovating humanistic approaches to emerging technology through a Futures Studies approach. He is a Foresight Catalyst for the Future of Being Human Initiative and Research Scientist for the School for the Future of Innovation in Society and Senior Global Futures Scholar with the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory at Arizona State University.Andrew Maynard, PhD - ASU BioAndrew is a scientist, author, thought leader, and Professor of Advanced Technology Transitions in the ASU School for the Future of Innovation in Society. He is the founder of the ASU Future of Being Human initiative, Director of the ASU Risk Innovation Nexus, and was previously Associate Dean in the ASU College of Global Futures.-----

In this episode of Modem Futura, Sean and Andrew dive into the concept of radical creativity, examining its definition, significance, and transformative potential for the future. They challenge conventional thinking, champion unconventional ideas, and explore how creativity can address societal issues. The discussion spans the implications of AI on work, the role of universal basic income (UBI) in a post-scarcity society, and the reimagining of education and career aspirations. They also tackle interplanetary colonization, the scientific value of space exploration, and the psychological challenges of extreme environments. Finally, they emphasize fostering creativity and innovation in future generations, envisioning a world built on flexibility and imagination.Links: Future of Being Human initiative Universal Basic Income explained Chapters00:00 Introduction to Radical Creativity03:06 Defining Radical Creativity05:57 The Challenge of Conventional Thinking08:54 Exploring New Perspectives11:58 Imagining Future Transportation15:11 Constraints on Creativity18:02 Radical Ideas for the Future20:24 The Future of Work in an AI-Driven World23:13 Universal Basic Income: A Solution or a Dilemma?25:54 The Impact of UBI on Education and Career Choices29:36 Creativity and Value Creation in a Post-Job Society32:23 Imagining a Post-Scarcity Future36:13 Radical Creativity and the Nature of Economics38:36 Challenging Scientific Norms and Understanding the Universe41:59 The Limits of Human Observation42:29 The Value of Wonder and Radical Imagination43:51 Envisioning the Future: Backcasting and Creativity45:48 Interplanetary Colonization: A Mixed Bag of Opportunities47:40 The Scientific Gains of Human Space Exploration49:00 The Dual Nature of Space Exploration51:29 Understanding Human Psychology in Space Missions53:47 The Complexity of Artificial Ecosystems54:44 The Inspiration and Risks of Mars Colonization56:07 The Human Drive to Explore Beyond Boundaries57:34 Preparing Future Generations for Radical Creativity -----Modem Futura is a production of the Future of Being Human initiative at Arizona State University. Be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows. To learn more about the Future of Being Human initiative and all of our other projects visit - https://futureofbeinghuman.asu.eduHost Bios:Sean M. Leahy, PhD - ASU BioSean is an an internationally recognized technologist, futurist, and educator innovating humanistic approaches to emerging technology through a Futures Studies approach. He is a Foresight Catalyst for the Future of Being Human Initiative and Research Scientist for the School for the Future of Innovation in Society and Senior Global Futures Scholar with the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory at Arizona State University.Andrew Maynard, PhD - ASU BioAndrew is a scientist, author, thought leader, and Professor of Advanced Technology Transitions in the ASU School for the Future of Innovation in Society. He is the founder of the ASU Future of Being Human initiative, Director of the ASU Risk Innovation Nexus, and was previously Associate Dean in the ASU College of Global Futures.-----

In this engaging conversation, Sean, Andrew, and Ruth explore the themes of visualization, futures thinking, and the importance of agency in shaping personal and collective futures. They discuss the challenges individuals face in visualizing concepts and the role of lived experiences in imagining future scenarios. The conversation also gets into the significance of introducing futures thinking in education, particularly for young people, to foster resilience and empower them to shape their own futures. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the evolving role of educators, emphasizing the need for futures thinking in classrooms. They explore the importance of empathy and social responsibility, the shift from dystopian narratives to hopeful futures, and the impact of individual actions on creating a better world. The discussion also touches on the Goldilocks principle in futures thinking and how life experiences shape our ability to envision the future. Ultimately, they argue for a transformative approach to education that fosters imagination and prepares students for an uncertain future. Links: ASU's Center for Science and Imagination Chapters00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage02:01 The Challenge of Visualization09:55 Imagining Futures: The Role of Experience15:01 Futures Thinking in Education20:49 The Importance of Agency in Shaping Futures22:22 The Evolving Role of Teachers in STEM Education24:01 Understanding Futures Thinking26:30 Navigating Uncertainty in Education28:05 Empathy and Social Responsibility in Futures Thinking30:00 Shifting Perspectives: From Dystopia to Hope32:44 Building a Better Future: Individual Actions Matter34:10 The Goldilocks Principle in Futures Thinking39:10 The Impact of Life Experience on Future Thinking45:04 Imagination in Education: Breaking Free from Constraints46:38 The Evolution of Education vs. Industry48:59 Infusing Futures Thinking into Education49:59 Parental Perspectives on Education53:46 The Importance of Open-Ended Questions56:39 Becoming Citizen Futurists01:00:42 Who Owns the Future?01:08:30 Closing Thoughts and Future Engagement -----Modem Futura is a production of the Future of Being Human initiative at Arizona State University. Be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows. To learn more about the Future of Being Human initiative and all of our other projects visit - https://futureofbeinghuman.asu.eduHost Bios:Sean M. Leahy, PhD - ASU BioSean is an an internationally recognized technologist, futurist, and educator innovating humanistic approaches to emerging technology through a Futures Studies approach. He is a Foresight Catalyst for the Future of Being Human Initiative and Research Scientist for the School for the Future of Innovation in Society and Senior Global Futures Scholar with the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory at Arizona State University.Andrew Maynard, PhD - ASU BioAndrew is a scientist, author, thought leader, and Professor of Advanced Technology Transitions in the ASU School for the Future of Innovation in Society. He is the founder of the ASU Future of Being Human initiative, Director of the ASU Risk Innovation Nexus, and was previously Associate Dean in the ASU College of Global Futures.-----

Sean and Andrew explore the challenges and limitations of AI reasoning, especially in large language models (LLMs). They discuss recent Apple research questioning LLMs' true reasoning abilities, emphasizing that these models rely heavily on pattern recognition rather than genuine understanding. Their conversation addresses the hype around AI, its inherent fragility, and the importance of fostering AI literacy to avoid misplaced trust. They examine AI's potential as a writing partner, the critical need for accuracy in sensitive areas like healthcare and education, and the ethical implications of AI's role in digital communication, advocating for a nuanced, responsible approach to AI development.Links: Gary Marcus on AI [Substack]Apple white paper - GSM-Symbolic: Understanding the Limitations of Mathematical Reasoning in Large Language ModelsWhisper in Hospitals [AP]Samsung's Moon Picture ControversyChapters00:00 Introduction to AI Reasoning Challenges04:46 Exploring AI's Limitations in Reasoning12:36 The Fragility of AI Models20:48 The Hype vs. Reality of AI Capabilities25:56 AI Literacy and Trust Issues28:58 Future Directions for AI Development30:48 The Future of AI as a Writing Partner33:39 Trust and Literacy in AI Applications39:13 Critical Applications and the Need for Accuracy43:46 Manipulation in Digital Communication51:50 The Ethics of AI in High-Stakes Interactions  -----Modem Futura is a production of the Future of Being Human initiative at Arizona State University. Be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows. To learn more about the Future of Being Human initiative and all of our other projects visit - https://futureofbeinghuman.asu.eduHost Bios:Sean M. Leahy, PhD - ASU BioSean is an an internationally recognized technologist, futurist, and educator innovating humanistic approaches to emerging technology through a Futures Studies approach. He is a Foresight Catalyst for the Future of Being Human Initiative and Research Scientist for the School for the Future of Innovation in Society and Senior Global Futures Scholar with the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory at Arizona State University.Andrew Maynard, PhD - ASU BioAndrew is a scientist, author, thought leader, and Professor of Advanced Technology Transitions in the ASU School for the Future of Innovation in Society. He is the founder of the ASU Future of Being Human initiative, Director of the ASU Risk Innovation Nexus, and was previously Associate Dean in the ASU College of Global Futures.-----