Idealism will not be televised

Whilst Gil Scott-Heron’s iconic record, The revolution will not be televised had political bite, it also spoke to how transformation isn't always spectator sport. In respect to the wider ramifications of idealism, Bernardo suggested a mainly slow and inner process - a revolution noticed in retrospect.

That doesn't mean there won't be disruption and upheaval, or that we can anticipate some idyllic utopia. But if idealism gains a place on the menu of metaphysical options, Bernardo hopes for a new undertone of empathy and meaning. A quietly transformative force in multiple domains. 

For instance, it may inspire a new vision for education - focused on meaning rather than economic utility.

On the economic front, Bernardo suggests a “sweet and sour” approach: a creative synthesis of universal basic income with elements of market capitalism. AI may create a favorable context. Vast new wealth, making generous basic income not only possible but likely.

Bernardo explored further thoughts on the challenges coming with AI, a sneak preview on a topic we’ll be giving our full focus in two weeks. One striking moment: the outrage that society increasingly discusses the moral treatment of computers while continuing to treat millions of farmed animals worse than machines.

We’ll continue this theme next week, so feel free to vote for your favourite questions, or add your own on the event page here.

Meanwhile, the link to the recording from part 1 is below. 

See you soon I hope!

Amir

Recording topics

• Idealism will likely exist amongst a menu of metaphysical options
• Idealism is not a panacea; but there might be a new undertone 
• There has been progress, but we are less evolved than we think
• The discussion around AI rights is outrageous whilst we are treating animals like products. 
• How to navigate the bumpy transitions in the world
• Science is one of the earliest adopters of idealism
• The transition won’t feel like a revolution 
• What would education aimed at meaning rather than economic utility look like? 
• Would idealism lean towards democratization of the economy?

Timestamps

0:00:00 What could idealism change beyond philosophy?
0:05:23 A cultural shift—gradual and uneven
0:10:20 Life as an opportunity to experience
0:15:14 Why AI may force economic change
0:25:04 From alternative realities to chaotic messaging
0:30:02 Progress without a promised utopia
0:35:14 AI rights while animals suffer?
0:40:25 The lure of a mechanical god
0:50:12 Criticising authority—or rejecting knowledge?
0:55:25 Why this revolution may happen one drop at a time
1:00:29 Idealism may become mainstream before we notice
1:05:08 When resistance becomes redefining the words
1:15:02 Education for economic usefulness?
1:20:28 Learning how to live a meaningful life
1:25:06 What are we working to stay alive for?
1:35:18 If work no longer defines us, what will?
1:45:28 What should education recover from the past?
1:50:15 Why education for maturity is urgent
2:00:13 Can we preserve the value of private initiative?
2:05:18 Can basic income and capitalism belong together?