What Will The Future Look Like? - Theo Priestley & Bronwyn Williams | Modern Wisdom Podcast 330

Visions of Tomorrow: Challenging the Future in Technology and Society

Modern Wisdom Podcast Episode 330 features an intriguing discussion with Theo Priestley and Bronwyn Williams on how current technological trends might shape the future of society. Their dialogue provides a critical perspective on conventional futurism, questioning the sustainability and desirability of some proposed future scenarios.

Core Concepts and Philosophies

The conversation revolves around a critical examination of "anti-futurism," a term coined by Priestley to describe a skeptical approach to the overly optimistic futures often portrayed by mainstream futurists. This perspective advocates for a more pragmatic, grounded approach to understanding how technology influences societal shifts, pushing back against the narrative of inevitable technological utopias.

Practical Strategies and Advice

• Critical engagement with technological promises: Encourages questioning the broader implications of new technologies on societal structures and individual freedoms.
• Importance of inclusive dialogue: Emphasizes the need for diverse voices in technological discourse to prevent a narrow, privileged perspective from dominating future planning.
• Assessing technology's role in human values: Urges a reflection on whether technological advancements align with enhancing human values and solving critical issues like inequality and environmental degradation.

Supporting Evidence

Priestley and Williams critique the mainstream narratives by highlighting the disconnect between technological innovations and their actual benefits to society. They suggest that current trends may not necessarily lead to the positive outcomes promised by some futurists, instead possibly exacerbating existing societal issues.

Personal Application

Both speakers integrate their professional experiences and observations into their skepticism, using real-world examples from their work in technology and economic analysis to illustrate the potential pitfalls of unchallenged futurist predictions.

Recommendations for Tools and Techniques

The discussion suggests utilizing broader, more inclusive forums for public discourse on technology's role in society, advocating for a balance of technological advancement with ethical consideration and social equity.