Nihilism and the Digital Space: engaging with the philosophy of Kirkegaard

We warmly invite you to join our upcoming Meetup, where we will dive into a thought-provoking discussion of a 14-page article by Hubert Dreyfus, the esteemed philosopher known for his insights into the intersections of philosophy and technology, often referred to as the "Philosopher of the Limits of Computers." The article explores why Søren Kierkegaard, the 19th-century existentialist, would likely have viewed the Internet with deep skepticism, drawing parallels between his critique of the press and the modern digital age. (here is a link for a copy of the article https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lQ-6Hlmz65zoqvmF9b3Ik2QA4yKD3Use/view?usp=sharing )
In this engaging session, we will examine Dreyfus’ analysis of Kierkegaard’s concerns about the "Public Sphere" and its impact on responsibility, commitment, and meaning. Kierkegaard warned that the press fostered risk-free anonymity and idle curiosity, eroding qualitative distinctions and paving the way for nihilism. Dreyfus extends this critique to the Internet, arguing it amplifies these issues through its promotion of aesthetic and ethical spheres while undermining the religious sphere, where true commitment and meaning are found.
To extend these ideas into our AI-advanced world beyond the internet—think virtual realities, AI companions, and automated decision-making—we'll explore how Kierkegaard's philosophy applies to emerging technologies. Here are some thought-provoking questions to spark our discussion and inspire you to join:

• How might advanced AI systems amplify Kierkegaard's feared "despair of possibility" by making commitments even easier to form and dissolve than on the internet?
• In an era where AI algorithms curate personalized experiences and reduce real-world risks, does this further promote the aesthetic sphere of idle curiosity and boredom-avoidance, potentially leading to deeper nihilism?
• Could AI technologies undermine the religious sphere of unconditional, risky commitment, or might they unexpectedly foster new forms of authentic existence?

Join us for a stimulating conversation as we explore these ideas and their relevance to our digital world. Whether you're a philosophy enthusiast or simply curious about the intersection of technology and existential thought, this event promises rich discussion and fresh perspectives.