From the New World Michael Millerman - the Technologist and the Republic
Oct 21, 2024
Michael Millerman, a philosopher and founder of the Millerman School, dives deep into the interplay of technology, politics, and philosophy. He contrasts ancient and modern views on human excellence and critiques the dangers of quantification in modernity. Millerman advocates for a blend of technical and philosophical expertise among leaders, navigating the implications of AI and cryptocurrencies. The discussion also explores the mystical facets of existence, emphasizing individual experience over grand narratives, while highlighting the Socratic approach to citizenship and moral contemplation.
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Two Divinely Sanctioned Drives
- Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik shows two divinely sanctioned drives: inward faith and majestic exploration.
- Millerman uses SpaceX as an example of technology expressing the majestic, God-given human impulse.
Technical Skill ≠ Political Wisdom
- Technical mastery (propulsion, servers) doesn't automatically equal political wisdom or prudence.
- Founders may excel in engineering but lack deep insight into political systems and ends.
Domain Competence Overreach
- Technologists often overextend domain competence into politics, mistaking technical success for general expertise.
- Strauss and classics mock this tendency by showing tech know-how doesn't translate to political prudence.