4 ms·
> Instead of human monitors, we add computer monitors. Which then initiate a safe system shutdown. The author seems to argue against this "solutionism". The
by nonrandomstring 4y ago
> Instead of human monitors, we add computer monitors. Which then
initiate a safe system shutdown.
The author seems to argue against this "solutionism". The main theme
is atrophy, mainly of attention and internal working model (responsive
competence) that decays without regular human involvement.
> increasing automation, increasing system complexity, faster
processing, more inter-connectivity, and an even greater human and
societal dependence on technology. What could possibly go wrong?
The question is what could possibly go right? And indeed the author
offers good, positive suggestions;
- breaking the loop (no invisible self-corrections)
- making complex systems shallow (not nested)
- emphasis on action/doing with hands rather than passively
monitoring with eyes and ears.
Unfortunately I don't think rational engineering and design will allow
correction before real disasters come from over-dependency (especially
in the digital realm), because the course we are on is not rational.
It looks rational. It seems the very essence of rationality. But
taken to the limit it is a totally irrational human death-wish to
grovel, prostrate at the feet of machines, qua ideology. And it's
getting harder to hide despite fervent rationalisation around
"efficiency", "necessity", "inevitability"... ad nauseum. We just
want to surrender into the arms of "convenience".