This document discusses future planning for medical innovations and healthcare. It introduces an elastic ring invention for mitral valve issues and its development process. It also discusses challenges of predicting the future, different approaches to thinking about the future, and how to best prepare for and shape the future rather than simply make predictions. The key is to think and act strategically by investing resources in areas that can produce the best results.
The document discusses using technology as exposure therapy to help students overcome worries about increasing technology use in classrooms. It notes that allowing students to try new technologies freely without punishment can help reduce fears. The document also covers the differences between digital natives and immigrants and considers ways technology can be used, including to make abstract concepts more concrete and enable authentic assessments. Failure during initial uses of new technologies should not mean an idea is abandoned.
Quarto evento dell'11/06/09 - Richard Satavaguest24d6ac
The document discusses the evolution of hospitals over the next 50 years. It predicts that hospitals will move away from traditional facilities focused on treatment, and instead integrate information systems using imaging, robotics, and other technologies to provide virtual and remote care. Surgical procedures will increasingly utilize simulation, robotics, and other advanced technologies. Medical education will also undergo a revolution through comprehensive simulation-based training and objective skills assessment.
Quarto evento dell'11/06/09 - Richard M. Satavaguest24d6ac
The document discusses the evolution of hospitals and healthcare over the next 50 years. It predicts that new technologies like robots, imaging systems, nanotechnology, and genetics will drive fundamental changes. Healthcare will transition from focusing on tissues and instruments to information and energy. Modeling and simulation will allow for a virtual representation of patients and procedures. This will enable remote surgery, pre-operative planning and rehearsal, and improved surgical integration and education.
A philosophical inquiry presented to students to assist in developing truth seeking, questioning and skepticism when filtering information from various media sources.
This document discusses the need for new paradigms and strategic thinking to address major problems. It argues that minds and markets influence each other, and new paradigms emerge from scientific breakthroughs, not arguments. The author advocates taking a first principles approach to problems rather than just addressing symptoms. Design thinking is presented as a method to understand problems, generate ideas, and test solutions through collaboration and prototyping to identify potential paradigm shifts and catalysts for change. Education is key to developing more original thinkers who can hasten paradigm shifts.
This document discusses challenges in applying educational research to classroom practice. It notes that while many research papers are published each year, research has not significantly changed teaching. The document explores reasons for this, such as research only describing the past, not predicting the future. It also discusses issues with intuition, evidence, and correlation not proving causation in educational research. Overall, the document advocates using research judiciously while acknowledging uncertainties.
The document discusses using technology as exposure therapy to help students overcome worries about increasing technology use in classrooms. It notes that allowing students to try new technologies freely without punishment can help reduce fears. The document also covers the differences between digital natives and immigrants and considers ways technology can be used, including to make abstract concepts more concrete and enable authentic assessments. Failure during initial uses of new technologies should not mean an idea is abandoned.
Quarto evento dell'11/06/09 - Richard Satavaguest24d6ac
The document discusses the evolution of hospitals over the next 50 years. It predicts that hospitals will move away from traditional facilities focused on treatment, and instead integrate information systems using imaging, robotics, and other technologies to provide virtual and remote care. Surgical procedures will increasingly utilize simulation, robotics, and other advanced technologies. Medical education will also undergo a revolution through comprehensive simulation-based training and objective skills assessment.
Quarto evento dell'11/06/09 - Richard M. Satavaguest24d6ac
The document discusses the evolution of hospitals and healthcare over the next 50 years. It predicts that new technologies like robots, imaging systems, nanotechnology, and genetics will drive fundamental changes. Healthcare will transition from focusing on tissues and instruments to information and energy. Modeling and simulation will allow for a virtual representation of patients and procedures. This will enable remote surgery, pre-operative planning and rehearsal, and improved surgical integration and education.
A philosophical inquiry presented to students to assist in developing truth seeking, questioning and skepticism when filtering information from various media sources.
This document discusses the need for new paradigms and strategic thinking to address major problems. It argues that minds and markets influence each other, and new paradigms emerge from scientific breakthroughs, not arguments. The author advocates taking a first principles approach to problems rather than just addressing symptoms. Design thinking is presented as a method to understand problems, generate ideas, and test solutions through collaboration and prototyping to identify potential paradigm shifts and catalysts for change. Education is key to developing more original thinkers who can hasten paradigm shifts.
This document discusses challenges in applying educational research to classroom practice. It notes that while many research papers are published each year, research has not significantly changed teaching. The document explores reasons for this, such as research only describing the past, not predicting the future. It also discusses issues with intuition, evidence, and correlation not proving causation in educational research. Overall, the document advocates using research judiciously while acknowledging uncertainties.
The future of computing is a symbiosis of machines and people. To achieve this we need an "operating system" upgrade for digital technology. We all need a Guardian Avatar to help us to navigate the "metaverse", and to care for us and protect us.
This document discusses the future and how digital technologies are driving shifts in many industries and aspects of society. Some key points:
- Emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, robotics, and biotechnology will continue to disrupt many industries and potentially impact employment levels.
- Digital technologies have already transformed how human information is recorded and industries like music, news, and banking.
- Predicting the future is difficult, as change is deep and non-linear. Different narratives around technological progress, financial values, and ecological perspectives shape expectations.
- The future is not predetermined, but is influenced by the narratives we adopt and the decisions we make based on those narratives in the present. Liberal arts skills like creativity, empathy
This document discusses the importance of critical thinking skills for success at Oxford and Cambridge universities. It provides definitions of critical thinking as an intellectually disciplined process of analyzing and evaluating information. A key aspect is avoiding being misdirected by assumptions and considering problems from multiple perspectives. The document uses examples to illustrate critical thinking, such as analyzing the reliability of different statements about science and health. It also discusses why misinformation exists and the importance of critically evaluating all sources of information.
Neuroethics: Two traditions at the intersection of mind, meaning, and moralityThe Hastings Center
The Hastings Center
The World of Bioethics Seminar
Friday, December 4, 2009
Neuroethics: Two traditions at the intersection of mind, meaning and morality
Presented by: James Giordano
Since 2002, neuroethics has come to include two sorts of research: the first relating to the neurological basis of moral knowledge, sense and actions, and the second referring to the ethics of neuroscientific research and applications. This lecture will address both of these traditions and their relation to one another. It will ground neuroethics in the hard questions of neuroscience, and the problems that arise when we must rely on partial or contingent knowledge.
Ms. Anna Reid Jhirad Worcester, MA Princeton, NJ
Dr. John Campbell Dr. James J. Hughes Dr. Burke Zimmerman
Professor of Molecular Biology Professor of Medicine and Director Professor of Chemical Engineering
University of California, San Diego Center for Policy on Emerging Technologies University of Texas at Austin
La Jolla, CA Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International
Affairs, Princeton University Austin, TX
Princeton, NJ
PRODUCERS AND AFFILIATES
Mr. Jon Palfreman Ms. Barbara Moran Mr. Kirk Citron
President Producer Consultant
Palfreman Film Group Palf
The Abolition of Aging - An update for 2022.pdfDavid Wood
Slides used by David Wood, Chair of London Futurists, in his presentation on 24th March 2022 for the Church of Perpetual Life. The presentation weighed up arguments for and against the possibility of widespread low-cost access, by 2040, of treatments providing comprehensive rejuvenation (reversal of aging) in both body and mind. In particular, the presentation looks at how that balance of probabilities has shifted in the six years since these arguments were first aired in the 2016 book "The Abolition of Aging".
A recording of this presentation can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iSETLmTKzqg
Professional Development: A Gap Between Bench 2 BedsideAjaz Hussain
Ajaz Keynote 10th Annual Dr. Charles I Jarowski Industrial Pharmacy Symposium. St. John’s University, D’Angelo Center Ballroom | Queens, NY 11439 | Monday, June 4, 2018.
Human development, or lack thereof, is reflected at times of challenge and controversy. The mounting challenges and controversies today are a reflection of our current order of consciousness. We will never solve the problems tomorrow with the same order of consciousness we are using to create the problems of today. We must be the change. To do so, we must pay attention to a canary which is tweeting in the coals of our mind. We must agree to see the elephant in the dark. Only by our commitment to hold high our knowledge candles, and to be together strong, we genuinely are suitable and capable of confronting risks lurking in our collective darkness. We are in the dark, our candles held high, no one but us knows how secure or insecure we feel inside. It doesn’t matter as long as we remain committed to illuminating the darkness. In doing so, we raise our order of consciousness!
The document discusses the exponential growth of both beneficial technologies and existential threats to humanity. While technological progress has led to improvements in health, knowledge, and living standards, it has also enabled threats like global warming, pandemics, and weapons of mass destruction to grow exponentially. If left unaddressed, these threats could potentially lead to humanity's extinction. The document argues that preventing threats must become a higher priority than unchecked growth, and calls for increased awareness, regulation of dangerous technologies, and global cooperation to develop strategies to manage existential risks arising from technological progress.
The book discusses the unpredictability of major historical events and emphasizes that black swan events, which are rare, have large consequences, and are generally unanticipated, shape history in ways that are not recognized until after they occur. It argues that people focus too much on what is predictable from historical patterns while underestimating the impact of rare and unpredictable events. The author advocates adopting a barbell strategy that balances predictable investments with exposure to extreme risks and being prepared rather than focusing on predictions. Overall, the book stresses the limits of predictability and advocates approaches that are more robust to black swan events.
(1) The document discusses strategies for addressing climate change denialism when engaging with deniers. It analyzes common denialist techniques like the Gish gallop, conspiracy theories, and internal inconsistency.
(2) It recommends not directly engaging with techniques like the Gish gallop and instead pinpointing inconsistent arguments. The document also suggests making deniers explicitly state conspiracy theories to reveal flaws.
(3) Additional tips include knowing the science, using simple language, being likable, and finding common ground with deniers to change identities and views gradually rather than through direct confrontation. The overall approach is to avoid getting mired in scientific details and instead focus on logical inconsistencies and behaviors.
A personal view on how to think and reason about the Covid-19 pandemic, and other similar issues in general, targeted at a Pakistani/Urdu-speaking audience.
Essential human sciences in 2 lessons (with extension if required)Kieran Ryan
The document provides an overview of the key concepts in human sciences, including definitions, research methodologies, and approaches. It discusses the differences between human sciences and natural sciences, as well as three main approaches to research in human sciences: positivism, interpretivism, and critical theory. Examples are given to illustrate these approaches. Students are given tasks to match examples to different research approaches and consider reasons for differences between qualitative and quantitative research.
Essential human sciences in 2 lessons (with extension if required)Kieran Ryan
The document provides an overview of the key concepts in human sciences, including definitions, research methodologies, and approaches. It discusses the differences between human sciences and natural sciences, as well as three main approaches to research in human sciences: positivist, interpretivist, and critical theory. Examples are given for each approach. The document also describes some criticisms of human sciences from the perspective of natural sciences and discusses challenges around qualitative versus quantitative research.
Powerful Futures: How to future-proof yourself in a dramatically changing worldTony Ryan
Some practical hints on what is sometimes referred to as future-proofing ie adopting a proactive approach to planning your preferred future, and then developing strategies that will allow you to create that future.
The document summarizes a presentation on pathways to indefinite lifespans. It discusses 7 common fallacies about aging and longevity. The presentation argues that aging will not be eliminated by a single pill or treatment, but rather through technological advancement that selects for longevity over reproduction. Living longer would not necessarily result in overpopulation, loneliness, or boredom if aging is eliminated at a societal level through participation in an advanced technological environment. Current biomedical anti-aging therapies face obstacles like side effects and delivery challenges. A new perspective is needed to understand aging as an evolved process that could be overcome through collective human progress.
This document discusses invitro fertilization (IVF) and pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD). It provides details on the IVF process and explains that PGD involves testing embryos for genetic diseases prior to implantation. PGD can detect over 100 diseases, reduces miscarriage rates, and allows parents to choose healthy embryos. However, it also enables the selection of "desirable" traits and rejection of embryos deemed "undesirable." This raises ethical concerns about eugenics, discrimination, and defining when life begins. The document examines views on these issues from various ethical frameworks and religions.
This document discusses invitro fertilization (IVF) and pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD). PGD involves testing embryos for genetic diseases prior to implantation. It can reduce miscarriage rates and allow parents to select embryos without diseases. However, it also enables selection for non-medical traits and rejection of embryos deemed "undesirable," raising ethical issues around eugenics, discrimination, and defining moral status of embryos. The document examines perspectives from various worldviews including rights ethics, utilitarianism, religion, and law on matters concerning IVF, PGD, embryo research, and genetic selection.
This document discusses invitro fertilization (IVF) and pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD). PGD involves testing embryos for genetic diseases prior to implantation. It can reduce miscarriage rates and allow parents to select embryos without diseases. However, it also enables selection for traits like gender, raising ethical issues. Views on the morality of embryo research and genetic selection vary between utilitarian, rights-based ethics and different religious perspectives. International policies on PGD also differ in their level of restrictions or bans. The document examines both benefits and concerns around new technologies related to human reproduction and genetics.
This document discusses invitro fertilization (IVF) and pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD). PGD involves testing embryos for genetic diseases prior to implantation. It can reduce miscarriage rates and allow parents to select embryos without diseases. However, it also enables selection based on non-medical traits and discarding of embryos, raising ethical issues. Views on the morality of embryo research and genetic selection vary between utilitarian, rights-based ethics and different religious perspectives. International policies also differ in their regulation of PGD and genetic selection.
The book discusses the concept of "Black Swan" events - highly improbable occurrences with large impacts that are only predictable after the fact. It argues that humans have a tendency to underestimate uncertainty and ignore rare events. The book is divided into four parts - the first two discuss psychological biases that prevent awareness of Black Swans, while the second two apply these concepts to business, science and complexity. The main idea is that rather than trying to predict Black Swans, systems should be made more robust to negative ones and able to benefit from positive ones.
The future of computing is a symbiosis of machines and people. To achieve this we need an "operating system" upgrade for digital technology. We all need a Guardian Avatar to help us to navigate the "metaverse", and to care for us and protect us.
This document discusses the future and how digital technologies are driving shifts in many industries and aspects of society. Some key points:
- Emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, robotics, and biotechnology will continue to disrupt many industries and potentially impact employment levels.
- Digital technologies have already transformed how human information is recorded and industries like music, news, and banking.
- Predicting the future is difficult, as change is deep and non-linear. Different narratives around technological progress, financial values, and ecological perspectives shape expectations.
- The future is not predetermined, but is influenced by the narratives we adopt and the decisions we make based on those narratives in the present. Liberal arts skills like creativity, empathy
This document discusses the importance of critical thinking skills for success at Oxford and Cambridge universities. It provides definitions of critical thinking as an intellectually disciplined process of analyzing and evaluating information. A key aspect is avoiding being misdirected by assumptions and considering problems from multiple perspectives. The document uses examples to illustrate critical thinking, such as analyzing the reliability of different statements about science and health. It also discusses why misinformation exists and the importance of critically evaluating all sources of information.
Neuroethics: Two traditions at the intersection of mind, meaning, and moralityThe Hastings Center
The Hastings Center
The World of Bioethics Seminar
Friday, December 4, 2009
Neuroethics: Two traditions at the intersection of mind, meaning and morality
Presented by: James Giordano
Since 2002, neuroethics has come to include two sorts of research: the first relating to the neurological basis of moral knowledge, sense and actions, and the second referring to the ethics of neuroscientific research and applications. This lecture will address both of these traditions and their relation to one another. It will ground neuroethics in the hard questions of neuroscience, and the problems that arise when we must rely on partial or contingent knowledge.
Ms. Anna Reid Jhirad Worcester, MA Princeton, NJ
Dr. John Campbell Dr. James J. Hughes Dr. Burke Zimmerman
Professor of Molecular Biology Professor of Medicine and Director Professor of Chemical Engineering
University of California, San Diego Center for Policy on Emerging Technologies University of Texas at Austin
La Jolla, CA Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International
Affairs, Princeton University Austin, TX
Princeton, NJ
PRODUCERS AND AFFILIATES
Mr. Jon Palfreman Ms. Barbara Moran Mr. Kirk Citron
President Producer Consultant
Palfreman Film Group Palf
The Abolition of Aging - An update for 2022.pdfDavid Wood
Slides used by David Wood, Chair of London Futurists, in his presentation on 24th March 2022 for the Church of Perpetual Life. The presentation weighed up arguments for and against the possibility of widespread low-cost access, by 2040, of treatments providing comprehensive rejuvenation (reversal of aging) in both body and mind. In particular, the presentation looks at how that balance of probabilities has shifted in the six years since these arguments were first aired in the 2016 book "The Abolition of Aging".
A recording of this presentation can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iSETLmTKzqg
Professional Development: A Gap Between Bench 2 BedsideAjaz Hussain
Ajaz Keynote 10th Annual Dr. Charles I Jarowski Industrial Pharmacy Symposium. St. John’s University, D’Angelo Center Ballroom | Queens, NY 11439 | Monday, June 4, 2018.
Human development, or lack thereof, is reflected at times of challenge and controversy. The mounting challenges and controversies today are a reflection of our current order of consciousness. We will never solve the problems tomorrow with the same order of consciousness we are using to create the problems of today. We must be the change. To do so, we must pay attention to a canary which is tweeting in the coals of our mind. We must agree to see the elephant in the dark. Only by our commitment to hold high our knowledge candles, and to be together strong, we genuinely are suitable and capable of confronting risks lurking in our collective darkness. We are in the dark, our candles held high, no one but us knows how secure or insecure we feel inside. It doesn’t matter as long as we remain committed to illuminating the darkness. In doing so, we raise our order of consciousness!
The document discusses the exponential growth of both beneficial technologies and existential threats to humanity. While technological progress has led to improvements in health, knowledge, and living standards, it has also enabled threats like global warming, pandemics, and weapons of mass destruction to grow exponentially. If left unaddressed, these threats could potentially lead to humanity's extinction. The document argues that preventing threats must become a higher priority than unchecked growth, and calls for increased awareness, regulation of dangerous technologies, and global cooperation to develop strategies to manage existential risks arising from technological progress.
The book discusses the unpredictability of major historical events and emphasizes that black swan events, which are rare, have large consequences, and are generally unanticipated, shape history in ways that are not recognized until after they occur. It argues that people focus too much on what is predictable from historical patterns while underestimating the impact of rare and unpredictable events. The author advocates adopting a barbell strategy that balances predictable investments with exposure to extreme risks and being prepared rather than focusing on predictions. Overall, the book stresses the limits of predictability and advocates approaches that are more robust to black swan events.
(1) The document discusses strategies for addressing climate change denialism when engaging with deniers. It analyzes common denialist techniques like the Gish gallop, conspiracy theories, and internal inconsistency.
(2) It recommends not directly engaging with techniques like the Gish gallop and instead pinpointing inconsistent arguments. The document also suggests making deniers explicitly state conspiracy theories to reveal flaws.
(3) Additional tips include knowing the science, using simple language, being likable, and finding common ground with deniers to change identities and views gradually rather than through direct confrontation. The overall approach is to avoid getting mired in scientific details and instead focus on logical inconsistencies and behaviors.
A personal view on how to think and reason about the Covid-19 pandemic, and other similar issues in general, targeted at a Pakistani/Urdu-speaking audience.
Essential human sciences in 2 lessons (with extension if required)Kieran Ryan
The document provides an overview of the key concepts in human sciences, including definitions, research methodologies, and approaches. It discusses the differences between human sciences and natural sciences, as well as three main approaches to research in human sciences: positivism, interpretivism, and critical theory. Examples are given to illustrate these approaches. Students are given tasks to match examples to different research approaches and consider reasons for differences between qualitative and quantitative research.
Essential human sciences in 2 lessons (with extension if required)Kieran Ryan
The document provides an overview of the key concepts in human sciences, including definitions, research methodologies, and approaches. It discusses the differences between human sciences and natural sciences, as well as three main approaches to research in human sciences: positivist, interpretivist, and critical theory. Examples are given for each approach. The document also describes some criticisms of human sciences from the perspective of natural sciences and discusses challenges around qualitative versus quantitative research.
Powerful Futures: How to future-proof yourself in a dramatically changing worldTony Ryan
Some practical hints on what is sometimes referred to as future-proofing ie adopting a proactive approach to planning your preferred future, and then developing strategies that will allow you to create that future.
The document summarizes a presentation on pathways to indefinite lifespans. It discusses 7 common fallacies about aging and longevity. The presentation argues that aging will not be eliminated by a single pill or treatment, but rather through technological advancement that selects for longevity over reproduction. Living longer would not necessarily result in overpopulation, loneliness, or boredom if aging is eliminated at a societal level through participation in an advanced technological environment. Current biomedical anti-aging therapies face obstacles like side effects and delivery challenges. A new perspective is needed to understand aging as an evolved process that could be overcome through collective human progress.
This document discusses invitro fertilization (IVF) and pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD). It provides details on the IVF process and explains that PGD involves testing embryos for genetic diseases prior to implantation. PGD can detect over 100 diseases, reduces miscarriage rates, and allows parents to choose healthy embryos. However, it also enables the selection of "desirable" traits and rejection of embryos deemed "undesirable." This raises ethical concerns about eugenics, discrimination, and defining when life begins. The document examines views on these issues from various ethical frameworks and religions.
This document discusses invitro fertilization (IVF) and pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD). PGD involves testing embryos for genetic diseases prior to implantation. It can reduce miscarriage rates and allow parents to select embryos without diseases. However, it also enables selection for non-medical traits and rejection of embryos deemed "undesirable," raising ethical issues around eugenics, discrimination, and defining moral status of embryos. The document examines perspectives from various worldviews including rights ethics, utilitarianism, religion, and law on matters concerning IVF, PGD, embryo research, and genetic selection.
This document discusses invitro fertilization (IVF) and pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD). PGD involves testing embryos for genetic diseases prior to implantation. It can reduce miscarriage rates and allow parents to select embryos without diseases. However, it also enables selection for traits like gender, raising ethical issues. Views on the morality of embryo research and genetic selection vary between utilitarian, rights-based ethics and different religious perspectives. International policies on PGD also differ in their level of restrictions or bans. The document examines both benefits and concerns around new technologies related to human reproduction and genetics.
This document discusses invitro fertilization (IVF) and pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD). PGD involves testing embryos for genetic diseases prior to implantation. It can reduce miscarriage rates and allow parents to select embryos without diseases. However, it also enables selection based on non-medical traits and discarding of embryos, raising ethical issues. Views on the morality of embryo research and genetic selection vary between utilitarian, rights-based ethics and different religious perspectives. International policies also differ in their regulation of PGD and genetic selection.
The book discusses the concept of "Black Swan" events - highly improbable occurrences with large impacts that are only predictable after the fact. It argues that humans have a tendency to underestimate uncertainty and ignore rare events. The book is divided into four parts - the first two discuss psychological biases that prevent awareness of Black Swans, while the second two apply these concepts to business, science and complexity. The main idea is that rather than trying to predict Black Swans, systems should be made more robust to negative ones and able to benefit from positive ones.
2. CUBE srl – FER Fully Elastic Ring
Paolo Ferrazzi Inventor
Scompenso cardiaco
•A n e llo e q u a t o r ia le
•A n e llo m it r a lic o
•In d u s t r ia liz z a z io n e
•C e r t if ic a z io n e
•S p e r im e n t a z io n e
a n im a le
•S t u d io u m a n o d i
fa s e 1
3. CUBE srl – FER Mitral Elastic Ring
Paolo Ferrazzi Inventor
4. CUBE srl – FER Mitral Elastic Ring
Paolo Ferrazzi Inventor
Cardioscopy
Faxitron: high
resolution x-ray
7. "Tutti dovremmo preoccuparci del futuro,
perché là dobbiamo passare il resto
della nostra vita."
Charles Franklin Kettering (1876-1958)
Inventor and businessman
Co-Founder of Memorial Sloan-
Kettering Cancer Center
8. We understand better than ever that planning is like standing on a beach.
A wave approaches.
Dig in your heels? Swim into it? Run?
9. Thinking
• Dangers and difficulties of looking to
the future
• Why bother then?
• How best to think about the future?
• What is foresight?
• What does the future mean for now?
10. 3. The Disciplined Mind
4. The Synthesizing Mind
5. The Creating Mind
6. The Respectful Mind
7. The Ethical Mind
11. The a priori – a posteriori distinction
• a priori knowledge
– Before taking into account observations or
evidence
– Necessary/analytic truths, assumptions,
given facts, etc.
• a posteriori knowledge
– After taking into account observations and
evidence
– Laws and explanations of natural or social
phenomena
12. Rationalism
• Knowledge arises from reasoning
• The way to knowledge is from the
general to the particular
• Requires general a priori, necessary
truths
• Characterised by deduction
Descartes “Cogito ergo sum”
13. Empiricism
• Knowledge arises from observation
• The way to knowledge is from the
particular to the general
• Requires a posteriori, contingent truths
• Characterised by induction
Galileo “All truths are easy to
understand once they are discovered;
the point is to discover them”
14. Popper’s Falsificationism
• Induction never proves anything
• Hypotheses can only be disproved by
observing a counter-example
• If there is constant innovation of hypotheses
and attempts to disprove them then
knowledge will progress
Karl Popper “Hypotheses that are not
amenable to being falsified (unfalsifiable
hypotheses) are dubious”
15. Dangers of predicting the future
• "Radio has no future"
• "Heavier than air flying machines
are impossible"
• "X rays will prove to be a hoax”
William Thomson, Lord Kelvin,
President of the Royal Society, 1890-95
16. Dangers of predicting the future
“I never make
predictions,
especially about
the future.”
Sam Goldwyn,
MGM founder
17. Looking to the future:
common mistakes
• Making predictions rather
than attaching probabilities
to possibilities
• Simply extrapolating current
trends
• Thinking of only one future
18. Futurists
• By 2029, a computer will be able to carry on a
conversation indistinguishable from a human’s.
• In the 2040’s people spend the majority of their time in
full immersion virtual reality.
• The point when your life expectancy rises at a rate faster
than which you age.
Ray Kurzweil
“Immortality first!
Everything else can wait.”
Corwyn Prater
19. Futurists
• Eliminating a specific list comprising 50% of
medically preventable conditions, would extend
human life expectancy to over 150 years.
• By preventing 90% of medical problems, life
expectancy could extend to over 500 years.
• At 99% solved, we’d be able to live for over 1000
years.
Biotechnology and nanotechnology
revolutions will eliminate virtually all
medical causes of death
Robert A. Freitas Jr.
Senior Research Fellow
nonprofit foundation (IMM)
Palo Alto California
20. METHODS
Cryogenics
Nanotechnology
Mind Uploading
Body part
replacement
Cyborg Citizens
21. The life extension ethics question:
Should technologies that
radically extend the human lifespan
be allowed to be employed?
22. Approach the future
The point is not to predict the future
but to prepare for it and to shape it
23. SHAPING A BETTER FUTURE
Easy to say, hard to accomplish
What is BETTER?
BIGGER? FASTER? MORE?
24. Knowing is not enough; we must apply
Willing is not enough; we must do
Goethe
25. Contradictions of the 21th Century
•
•
Extreme specialization
Science keeps us alive
B •
•
Complex knowledge
Low science budget
•
•
Information overload
Lip service to science
U •
•
Weak understanding
Dramatic decrease of
T enrolment in science
26. The health care problem
• Between the health care we have and the
care we could have lies not just a gap, but a
chasm
• A system full of underuse, inappropriate use,
and overuse of care
• Unable to deliver today’s science and
technology
27. The key is to think and ACT strategically.
Planning is not about
writing a plan.
Planning is about results.
28. To be strategic is to invest your resources, make a bet
(time, energy, money, creativity) where your choice
can produce the best results.
A wide field. A few chips.
29. Goals Goals are at the heart of anyof any strategic plan.
are the most important part strategic plan.
30. Non guardar fissa l'onda
che si frange al tuo piede; fino a quando
sarà immerso nell'acqua
onde nuove verranno.
B. Brecht