In this lively and thought-provoking episode, Sean and Andrew team up with Ed Finn, Ruth Wylie, and Bob Beard from ASU’s Center for Science and the Imagination for a rapid-fire discussion on the future of humanity. Together, they explore themes like the values that will shape our future, the role of kindness in communities, AI's potential role in governance, and how humor evolves alongside technology.

The conversation delves into fascinating intersections between technology, nature, and human experience. Topics include plant communication, the Gaia hypothesis, the future of transportation and tourism, the evolution of universities, and the existential question: does the future need humanity? This engaging live discussion underscores the importance of balancing technological progress with a deeper connection to nature and community.

Links:

• ASU Center for Science and the Imagination
• Ed Finn
• Ruth Wylie
• Bob Beard

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Future of Being Human Initiative

02:40 Exploring Values in the Future

05:02 The Role of Kindness in Future Societies

12:50 AI, Politics, and the Future of Governance

19:23 The Future of Humor and AI

26:22 Interpreting Communication in Nature

27:38 Plant Communication and Intelligence

30:57 The Gaia Hypothesis and Planetary Awareness

33:41 Technology vs. Nature: A Double-Edged Sword

34:37 The Future of Transportation and Tourism

39:18 The Evolution of Universities in the Future

44:25 The Role of Kindness in Future Communities

48:25 Does the Future Need Us?

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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.edu

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Host Bios:

Sean M. Leahy, PhD - ASU Bio
Sean 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 Bio
Andrew 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.

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