The Triumph of the Embodied World: Embracing the Tangible in a Digital Age
Exploring the Human Experience Beyond AI
As AI reshapes our world, it’s crucial to recognize the unique value of our human, embodied existence, which lies beyond the reach of sophisticated algorithms. Let’s explore the irreplaceable assets we possess, and move toward a reconciliation with the tangible in this digital age.
The Illusion of Digital Supremacy
In my previous article, “Rebranding AI,” Michal Wooldridge highlighted a critical perspective, noting that our physical world, built through sweat and effort, hasn’t mirrored the digital revolution’s rapid ascent. This contrast fuels a misguided yearning for material transformations to match AI’s “intelligence.” However, Wooldridge clarifies that Large Language Models (LLMs) are not a new form of cognition but a result of extensive computing power. Understanding this helps demystify AI and reassess our relationship with technology.
A Reality Check: The Physical vs. The Digital
Despite the allure of screens, our tangible surroundings have not transformed dramatically compared to the last two generations. This ‘screen addiction’ would seem unremarkable even to a late 20th-century observer. As a creative, I recall the 90s’ digital fascination, where the lines between physical and virtual seemed poised to blur. Yet, this predicted sea change in art and design proved more elusive than anticipated.
The Constraints and Freedoms of Our Worlds
In the physical realm, we face the limitations of physics and our own strength, where we are consigned to the toil of wrestling order and form from chaos. Contrastingly, the digital world offers a realm of seemingly boundless imagination. This duality reflects the evolution from cave paintings to hieroglyphs and finally to pixels. Yet we remain metaphorically in Plato’s cave, at the crossroads of reality and imagination.
Assessing Digital Advancements in Context
Even astounding advancements like LLMs appear less revolutionary when viewed in this light. The digital world, as depicted in films like “The Matrix,” has not overpowered the physical. The harmonious fusion of technology and humanity, symbolized by innovations like driverless cars, still feels more choreographed than an authentic reflection of our daily lives.
Embracing Our Embodied Existence
Our journey beyond the screen might lie in embracing the imperfections of our physical existence. Like our ancestors around a fire, we are composite beings of body, mind, and senses, weaving stories into existence.
An Ancient Connection
Consider the cave paintings of ancient times, animated by human imagination, and perhaps even enhanced by psychedelic plants. This ancient fusion of mind and artifice might ironically offer a richer experience than our modern screen-based interactions. This suggests that for all our impressive technology, we still may never surpass the ancient methods in bridging minds with our creations.
Final Thoughts
In closing, it’s worth pondering whether technology can ever truly replicate or surpass the depth of experience offered by our physical, embodied world. As we navigate this digital age, let’s appreciate, honor and respect the rich tapestry of tangible experiences that shape our existence.
