We usually talk about tech in terms of economics or policy, but the casual language tech leaders often use to describe AI — summoning an inanimate force with the powers of code — sounds more... magical. So, what can myth and magic teach us about the AI race? Josh Schrei, mythologist and host of The Emerald podcast,  says that foundational cultural tales like "The Sorcerer's Apprentice" or Prometheus teach us the importance of initiation, responsibility, human knowledge, and care.  He argues these stories and myths can guide ethical tech development by reminding us what it is to be human. 


Correction: Josh says the first telling of "The Sorcerer’s Apprentice" myth dates back to ancient Egypt, but it actually dates back to ancient Greece.

RECOMMENDED MEDIA 


The Emerald podcast (podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-emerald/id146544…)


The Emerald explores the human experience through a vibrant lens of myth, story, and imagination


Embodied Ethics in The Age of AI (wiseinnovation.school/embodied-ethics-in-age-of-ai)


A five-part course with The Emerald podcast’s Josh Schrei and School of Wise Innovation’s Andrew Dunn


Nature Nurture: Children Can Become Stewards of Our Delicate Planet (www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/why-the-wild-thing…)


A U.S. Department of the Interior study found that the average American kid can identify hundreds of corporate logos but not plants and animals


The New Fire (mitpress.mit.edu/9780262548489/the-new-fire/)


AI is revolutionizing the world - here's how democracies can come out on top. This upcoming book was authored by an architect of President Biden's AI executive order


RECOMMENDED YUA EPISODES 


How Will AI Affect the 2024 Elections? (www.humanetech.com/podcast/how-will-ai-affect-the-…)


The AI Dilemma (www.humanetech.com/podcast/the-ai-dilemma)


The Three Rules of Humane Tech (www.humanetech.com/podcast/the-three-rules-of-huma…)


AI Myths and Misconceptions (www.humanetech.com/podcast/ai-myths-and-misconcept…)


 


Your Undivided Attention is produced by the Center for Humane Technology (www.humanetech.com/) . Follow us on Twitter: @HumaneTech_ (twitter.com/humanetech_)