Is Technology Good for Culture? (Video)

[hoggy]

Culture is another word for herd. We use technology because it gives us more power, and we like power. Is power good for the herd?

[hoggy]

I just want to clarify, politicians and leaders are just as much members of the herd as everyone else

[azatoth]

 

Some people will hate this but....

 

Is culture truly necessary for civilisation?

I saw a documentary about the human brain and how it has developed through time a while ago - the ability for the human mind to create abstract artwork is one of the main things that has allowed us to develop to the point we have. In evolutionary terms, without culture there is no room for civilisation to grow. There will just be anarchy and a bunch of dudes living in caves.

 

Surely technology has played a part in the advancement of culture too. After a quick think culture and technology are in a feedback loop. Technology allowed some early humans to devote their time to thinking on things instead of just struggling to survive which in turn created cultural and social mores that allowed technology to further advance and caused more changes in the culture and so on.

 

Personally I am skeptical of this Kurzwellian singularity idea, it's basically Rapture for nerds. Technology is a double-edged sword, it has helped alleviate the suffering for millions but also caused suffering for millions. I also don't share Luddite idea.

 

Perhaps I ought to watch the talk and come back if something comes to mind.