Totalitarianism and Literature with Michael Matheson Miller on the Moral Imagination Podcast

In this episode of the Moral Imagination Podcast I speak with John Johnson, founder and CEO of Patmos Technologies. We discuss some of the philosophical and theological dimensions of AI, the error of reducing the person to consciousness, the nature of personhood, the problem of commodification, and possible implications of artificial intelligence on human identity freedom, and morality. One Note: This podcast was recorded before Pope Leo XIV released his encyclical, Magnificent Humanity which is why we don’t refer to it. A key theme we discuss the importance or embodiment in understanding the human person. We discuss the dangers of data centralization, behavior modification, the alignment problem in AI. John also shares some of his insights on how he built his company, Patmos to provide services in a “parallel” economy that respects individual agency and freedom and tries to bypass the alliance between the state and big tech. We discuss a number of things including: * The error of viewing the person in terms of digital technology and AI* The limitations of “consciousness” in understanding personhood* The importance of the body in understanding our humanity * Artificial Intelligence and the Alignment problem * The philosophical underpinnings of transhumanism* Artificial Intelligence versus different ways of knowing —including inarticulate rationality and connatural knowing. * Theological reflections on digital technology and artificial intelligence. * Behavior modification generally and especially for vulnerable populations.* The risk of AI and centralization of data * John also shares insights from the Prodigal Son and the Book of Revelation Key Themes OutlineSection 1: Introduction & Context00:00 – 08:50* Introduction to John Johnson – founder and CEO of Patmos Technologies* The rise of technocracy and its implications for individual freedom* The alliance between the state and big tech as a structural problemSection 2: Patmos Technologies & the “Parallel Economy”05:46 – 12:06* Patmos was built as a direct response to technocratic challenges* The goal is to provide services in a “parallel” economy that respects individual agency and freedom* Johnson’s insight: it is possible to build outside the dominant tech ecosystemSection 3: The Nature of AI & the Human Person12:06 – 32:22* The error of viewing the person through the lens of digital technology and AI* How to think about using a tool versus subordinating ourselves to a tool * Consciousness alone is insufficient for understanding personhood* The error of mechanistic visions of the person* Aquinas on the intellect and the soul* The importance of the body in defining our humanity* AI versus different ways of knowing — including inarticulate rationality and connatural knowingSection 4: Moral & Theological Dimensions34:44 – 49:22* The body and transcendence in technology* “The Beast and the Lamb” — AI’s moral implications drawn from the Book of Revelation* Transhumanism and its quest to redefine humanity* Eschatological aspect of transhumanism* The human intellect: how we understand knowledge and love* Theological reflections on identity and agencySection 5: Commodification of Persons & the Convenience Trap56:27 – 01:05:22* The risk of the self being commodified through convenience* The Prodigal Son as a parable about substance and value — what we give away and what we lose* Behavior modification as a key tool of technocratic control, especially for vulnerable populationsSection 6: Data, Decentralization & Soft Digital Power01:05:22 – 01:15:39* AI and its limitations in replicating human interaction* The dangers of centralizing data* On soft digital power — control exercised without overt force:* Decentralization as a practical and principled responseSection 7: The Anthropological Battle & Carving Out Space01:18:26 – 01:22:43* AI and technology represent an anthropological battle — a contest over what it means to be human* The alignment problem as both a technical and moral challenge* The need to carve out intentional space for humanity within a technological world Get full access to The Moral Imagination – Michael Matheson Miller at www.themoralimagination.com/subscribe