The Challenge of Being Human in the Age of Technology
We live in a time of fundamental changes. For a long time we have used technology to change the world around us, but for some time now we have begun to use technology to change ourselves. We have embarked on a process that will change the definition of what it means to be human, and it is unclear where this will lead. The talk examines the challenges these developments pose to our understanding of what it means to be human and to live a human life worthy of the name. I will outline six key ideas that need to be considered in answering these questions today. And I will stress in particular why it is important to develop a positive sense of finitude and passivity if we want to respond constructively to the current challenges of our technological culture.