I read a smart little article written by a friend of mine the other day, reflecting on what 3 foundational philosophers (Socrates, Plato, Aristotle) might have to say about AI. Fascinating.
So, being as I love the art of a reflective, open-ended question, I decided to take it a step farther.
I’m a big fan and student of philosophy, art history, and science, and their reflection of humankind. So what question would each of the following philosophers, artists, and scientists have asked as related to the new world of Artificial Intelligence?
And the wonderful thing is – these questions offer so much space from which to consider the many possibilities. They can even be used in team-building discussions, because they force us to ponder the relationship between humanity and machines as we move closer to a world where we will have AIs as team members.
What question would you ask…
…Carl Jung, psychiatrist, psychoanalyst, founder of analytical psychology, and concepts like archetypes, the collective unconscious, and psychological individuation. "How might AI serve as a projection of the collective unconscious, and could it help us integrate the shadow aspects of humanity or drive us further into fragmentation?"
…Albert Einstein, theoretical physicist, best known for the theory of relativity and E=mc2, which fundamentally changed our understanding of physics. "Can AI systems lead to breakthroughs that advance humanity’s understanding of the universe, or might they accelerate our ability to destructively misuse knowledge before we fully comprehend its consequences?"
…Martin Heidegger, philosopher and one of the central figures in existentialism and phenomenology, especially recognized for his work Being and Time. "Will AI deepen our alienation from 'Being' by transforming our world into a purely technological framework, or can it offer new ways of attuning ourselves to existence beyond the calculative mode of thinking?"
…René Descartes, philosopher, mathematician, and scientist, considered the father of modern Western philosophy (entering into the Age of Enlightenment), and famous for his work in rationalism and the phrase ‘I think, therefore I am’. "Can AI's logical processes be considered true 'thought,' and if so, what does this imply about the nature of human consciousness and the distinction between mind and machine?"
…Leonardo da Vinci, Italian polymath, whose contributions spanned art, science, engineering, and anatomy, famous for masterpieces like Mona Lisa and The Last Supper. "In what ways could AI expand the horizons of human creativity and innovation, and how might it allow us to unlock new forms of art, science, and engineering beyond what the human mind alone can conceive?"
…Vincent van Gogh, post-impressionist painter, whose work, characterized by bold colors and emotional depth, became famous posthumously, with iconic works like Starry Night and Sunflowers. "Could AI ever express the emotional intensity and depth of human experience as art does, or would its creations lack the soul that makes art transformative for both artist and viewer?"
…Pablo Picasso, painter, sculptor, and co-founder of Cubism, one of the most influential artists of the 20th century, famous for works like Guernica and Les Demoiselles d'Avignon. "How will AI alter the boundaries of artistic creation—will it open doors to radical new forms of expression, or does it risk commodifying creativity by making art a purely technical, reproducible process?"
…William Shakespeare, playwright, poet, and actor, widely regarded as one of the greatest writers in the English language, famous for plays like Hamlet, Romeo and Juliet, and Macbeth. "Will AI, in mastering the languages of men, capture the essence of our loves, ambitions, and tragedies, or shall it remain but a hollow player upon the stage, mimicking life without truly living it?"
…Yuval Noah Harari (the only of this group who is currently alive, well, and offering an abundance of perspective from which to consider), historian and author, known for his works Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind, Homo Deus, 21 Lessons for the 21st Century, and now Nexus, focusing on human history, cognition, and future technology. "Will AI empower humanity to overcome our biological limitations, or does it pose an existential risk by shifting power into the hands of a few who control its development and applications?"
These questions draw from timeless wisdom to offer a doorway into conversations that push us beyond surface-level thinking and ask us to confront the profound shifts AI brings.
What conversations could you spark in your own team?
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