SPOS #972 – Tom Chatfield On How Tech Has Made Us What We Are

Feb 23, 2025

Tom Chatfield, a philosopher of technology and author of 'Wise Animals,' delves into our intricate relationship with tech. He argues that technology isn't just a tool but is woven into our very identity. The conversation touches on the biases in digital tools, the ethical dilemmas posed by AI, and why soft skills like empathy are becoming essential as AI replicates knowledge tasks. Chatfield also reflects on the growing skepticism toward experts and underlines the importance of self-awareness in the face of intelligent systems.

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ADVICE

App Audit

Regularly audit apps on your phone, deleting unnecessary ones.
Reflect on your daily technology use and improve your habits.

ANECDOTE

AI Email Reply

Mitch Joel used AI to generate an email reply, finding it helpful for reflection.
Reviewing the AI's response prompted more thoughtful communication.

INSIGHT

Technologized Humans

Humans are inherently technologized beings, constantly evolving with technology.
Our minds extend through tools, shaping how we interact with the world.

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Welcome to episode #972 of Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast.

Dr. Tom Chatfield is one of those rare thinkers who seamlessly blends philosophy, technology, and human experience, making sense of the rapidly evolving digital landscape. As an author, tech philosopher, and educator, his work - including his latest book, Wise Animals - How Technology Has Made Us What We Are - explores how humans and technology have co-evolved over thousands of years, shaping not only how we work and communicate but how we think and perceive the world. Tom is also the author of How To Think, This Is Gomorrah, Critical Thinking and many others. In this conversation, Tom challenges the conventional narrative that technology is either a savior or a threat, arguing instead that it is deeply intertwined with who we are as a species. We explore the biases embedded in our digital tools, the generational shifts in how technology is understood, and the ethical dilemmas posed by AI's increasing influence on work, productivity, and decision-making. Tom also shared why soft skills - like empathy, collaboration, and critical thinking - are becoming more valuable than ever in an age where AI can replicate knowledge-based tasks but struggles with human connection. He reflected on the growing skepticism toward experts, the rising noise in legal and regulatory environments, and the fundamental need for doubt and self-awareness in how we design and interact with intelligent systems. Thought-provoking, insightful, and refreshingly nuanced, this conversation is for anyone who wants to engage with technology more thoughtfully, rather than passively accepting or fearing it. Enjoy the conversation...

Running time: 1:06:50.
Hello from beautiful Montreal.
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Here is my conversation with Dr. Tom Chatfield.
Wise Animals - How Technology Has Made Us What We Are.
How To Think.
This Is Gomorrah.
Critical Thinking.
Follow Tom on Substack.
Follow Tom on X.
Follow Tom on LinkedIn.
This week's music: David Usher 'St. Lawrence River'.

Chapters:

(00:00) - Introduction to Technology Philosophy. (02:58) - The Role of Technology in Human Experience. (06:10) - Generational Perspectives on Technology. (08:54) - The Impact of AI on Work and Productivity. (11:57) - The Evolution of Human Interaction with AI. (15:05) - The Future of Work in an AI-Driven World. (17:48) - The Ethics of AI and Human Value. (20:49) - Navigating the Divide in Access to Technology. (23:49) - The Devaluation of Knowledge Work. (30:51) - The Impact of AI on Knowledge Work. (35:40) - The Value of Human Connection in a Tech-Driven World. (41:45) - Rethinking Professional Education and Skills. (48:08) - Philosophical Perspectives on AI and Technology. (57:28) - Co-evolution with Technology and the Future of Knowledge.