Magisterial Lectures | Ma Assunta Cuyegkeng PhD - Living with Technology in a VUCA World

Summary

This lecture explores humanity's journey through technological waves, from the Stone Age to the current era of disruptive innovation. It discusses the dilemmas of modern life, such as the choice between disposable and cloth diapers, symbolizing broader environmental and social concerns. The speaker emphasizes the importance of integral ecology, as highlighted by Pope Francis, which calls for a holistic approach to respect human and social conditions, sustainable development, and justice. The COVID-19 pandemic serves as a catalyst for reevaluating our consumption and lifestyle choices, urging us to consider the consequences of our actions on the environment and society, and to make choices that benefit the common good.

Takeaways

• 😀 The lecture begins with a personal dilemma faced by the speaker in 1987 regarding the choice between disposable and cloth diapers, highlighting the environmental and convenience trade-offs in decision-making.
• ⏳ The story of humanity is presented as one of survival and thriving through the use of ingenuity and intelligence, evolving through different 'waves' of societal development characterized by prevailing technologies.
• 🛠️ The First Wave is associated with the development of agriculture, leading to stable food supply, increased population, and the establishment of social orders like landlord-tenant and master-slave relationships.
• 🏭 The Second Wave corresponds with the Industrial Revolution, marked by machine-based technologies, urbanization, and new systems for labor, economy, and education.
• 🌐 The Third Wave includes the current society, driven by knowledge-based technologies like ICT, biotechnology, and engineering, which are often disruptive and change the way we live and do business.
• 💡 Disruptive technologies paired with the right business models lead to disruptive innovations, creating new markets and changing consumer behaviors, as illustrated by the examples of personal computers, mobile phones, streaming services, and ride-sharing apps.
• 🌍 The connectivity provided by technology has made the world seem smaller and more accessible, leading to a lifestyle that we have come to take for granted, with increased freedom in various aspects of life.
• 🔄 The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the importance of integral ecology, which considers human and social conditions, sustainable development, and justice for future generations.
• 🌿 Pope Francis's encyclical 'Laudato Si' is mentioned, emphasizing the need for respect for the environment, social justice, and a culture that values more than just consumption and profit.
• 🛑 The pandemic has exposed the volatility and uncertainty of the world, with complex systems interacting and feedback loops affecting various aspects of life, including health, economy, and politics.
• 🚫 The importance of discerning facts, respecting natural laws, and verifying information through expert consensus and ethical codes is highlighted, especially in the face of misinformation and political agendas.
• 🌱 The temporary halt of usual activities during the lockdown allowed the environment to recover, suggesting that a change in lifestyle and consumer habits can have a positive impact on the environment and society.

Q & A

What dilemma did the speaker face as a young mother in 1987?

The speaker faced the dilemma of choosing between using disposable diapers, which contributed to environmental waste, and cloth diapers, which were inconvenient and could lead to a lack of sleep.

How does the speaker describe the story of humanity?

The speaker describes the story of humanity as one of finding ways to survive and thrive using ingenuity and intelligence, adapting to different technological 'waves' throughout history.

What are the three 'waves' described by Alfred Duffler in his book 'The Third Wave'?

The three 'waves' described by Alfred Duffler are: the first wave, characterized by the development of agriculture and settlements; the second wave, associated with the industrial revolution and mass production; and the third wave, which includes current society and is driven by science and knowledge-based technologies.

What is the term used for technologies that completely change the way we do things?

The term used for such technologies is 'disruptive technologies'.

How does the speaker relate disruptive technology to disruptive innovation?

The speaker relates disruptive technology to disruptive innovation by stating that when paired with the right business model, these technologies can create new markets and change various industries, such as personal computers replacing mainframe computers.

What are some examples of disruptive innovations mentioned in the script?

Examples of disruptive innovations mentioned include personal computers, mobile phones, streaming apps like iTunes and Spotify, video streaming apps like Netflix, ride-sharing services, and delivery apps.

How does the speaker describe the impact of science and technology on our lifestyles before the lockdowns?

The speaker describes the impact as providing us with more power than we could imagine, allowing us to control temperatures, access things on demand, and experience cultures like never before, making the world smaller and more interconnected.

What is the Pope Francis' encyclical 'Laudato Si' and what does it emphasize?

'Laudato Si' is Pope Francis' encyclical that emphasizes care for our common home, touching on points such as environmental and social degradation, integral ecology, ecological conversion, dialogue, and spirituality.

What does the speaker suggest is the primary concern of those with knowledge, technology, and economic resources?

The speaker suggests that the primary concern of those with knowledge, technology, and economic resources is profit, leading to a culture of consumption and technocratic paradigm.

How does the speaker describe the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our understanding of integral ecology?

The speaker describes the pandemic as highlighting the importance of integral ecology, showing the need to see the big picture and understand the interconnectedness of complex systems, including science, technology, economy, social issues, and politics.

What lifestyle changes did the speaker observe during the COVID-19 lockdowns?

The speaker observed that during the lockdowns, people could survive on much less, learned to focus on buying local, engaging communities, and deepening faith, which showed that choices and behaviors can have consequences.

What compromise did the speaker make regarding diaper choices for her baby in 1987?

The speaker compromised by using cloth diapers with nappy liners most of the time, but also using disposable diapers during weeknights for better sleep and during long trips for convenience.

What is the speaker's final message regarding our relationship with technology and lifestyle choices?

The speaker's final message is that living with technology does not have to be a passive acceptance of what is sold to us. By understanding options and consequences, and making choices that benefit not only ourselves but also others and the environment, we can hope for a better life.

Outlines

00:00

🚀 Technological Evolution and Human Dilemmas

The script begins with a personal anecdote from 1987, reflecting on the choice between disposable and cloth diapers, symbolizing broader environmental and convenience dilemmas. It delves into the narrative of human survival and progress through 'waves' of societal development as described by Alvin Toffler, each defined by its prevailing technology. The first wave saw agriculture's rise leading to stable food supplies and social hierarchies. The second wave brought the Industrial Revolution with urbanization and new economic systems. The current third wave is characterized by knowledge-driven technologies like ICT and biotechnology, often termed 'disruptive' for their market-altering impacts. Examples include personal computers, mobile phones, streaming services, and ride-sharing apps, illustrating how technology has intricately woven itself into daily life, enhancing capabilities while raising privacy concerns.

05:02

🌏 The Impact of Modern Lifestyles and Integral Ecology

This paragraph examines the lifestyle shifts brought about by modern conveniences and the resulting attitudes towards freedom and consumption, often at the expense of environmental and social well-being. It highlights the cultural relativism and technocratic paradigm that prioritizes profit, influencing our buying behaviors and societal structures. Pope Francis's encyclical 'Laudato Si' is referenced, emphasizing the need for an 'integral ecology' that respects human and social conditions, sustainable development, and justice. The COVID-19 pandemic serves as a case study for the importance of this approach, revealing the interconnectedness of complex systems and the need for a holistic understanding to navigate the volatile world, where misinformation and political agendas can cloud judgment.

10:03

🌱 Embracing Sustainability and Ethical Discernment

The final paragraph calls for a return to scientific principles to address the complex challenges of our time, advocating for evidence-based decision-making and ethical responsibility. It underscores the interconnectedness of our actions with the Earth's resources and the unsustainable rate of consumption. The COVID-19 lockdown is cited as an example of how reduced activity led to environmental recovery, prompting reflection on our capacity for change. The script concludes by encouraging discernment in our choices, suggesting that a lifestyle with less environmental harm is possible, even if it involves some inconvenience. It also stresses the importance of electing leaders who consider the common good and the impact on marginalized communities and future generations, aiming for a harmonious balance between technology and a sustainable future.

Keywords

💡Dilemma

A dilemma is a situation in which a difficult choice has to be made between two or more alternatives, especially equally undesirable ones. In the video, the dilemma faced by the speaker as a young mother in 1987 is choosing between using disposable diapers, which contribute to environmental waste, and cloth diapers, which are inconvenient and require more effort.

💡Humanity

Humanity refers to the human race collectively, or the qualities of compassion, understanding, and tolerance that are considered to make us human. The video discusses the collective story of humanity, focusing on our survival and thriving as societies, which is central to the theme of how we make choices that affect our existence and the world around us.

💡Technological Waves

Technological Waves, as described by Alfred Duffler in 'The Third Wave,' are periods in history characterized by prevailing technologies that define societies. The video uses this concept to illustrate the progression from the Stone Age to the current era, each marked by significant technological advancements that have shaped human life and societal structures.

💡Disruptive Technologies

Disruptive technologies are innovations that create a new market and value network, eventually disrupting existing markets and displacing established technologies. The video mentions that the Third Wave society is characterized by such technologies, like information and communication technology, which have completely changed the way we do things, exemplified by personal computers replacing mainframe computers.

💡Disruptive Innovation

Disruptive innovation refers to a process where a new product or service takes over the market by improving upon an existing one, often by being more efficient or accessible. The video explains how disruptive technologies, when paired with the right business models, lead to disruptive innovation, creating new markets and changing consumer behaviors, as seen with streaming apps in music and movies.

💡Integral Ecology

Integral ecology is a comprehensive approach to environmental issues that considers the interconnectedness of the natural environment with social, economic, and cultural aspects. The video highlights Pope Francis's call for integral ecology in his encyclical 'Laudato Si', emphasizing respect for human and social conditions, sustainable development, and justice for future generations.

💡Consumption Culture

Consumption culture refers to a society characterized by the consumption of goods and services in quantities far beyond what is necessary for survival. The video discusses how the culture of consumption, driven by the technocratic paradigm and economic growth, has led to an unsustainable use of resources and a need for constant buying and updating of products.

💡Pandemic

A pandemic is an outbreak of a disease that occurs over a wide geographic area and affects an exceptionally high proportion of the population. The video uses the COVID-19 pandemic as an example to illustrate the importance of integral ecology and the interconnectedness of various complex systems, such as science, economy, politics, and human rights.

💡Connectivity

Connectivity in the context of the video refers to the interconnection and interdependence of people and systems across the globe, facilitated by advancements in technology and communication. The video mentions how our increased connectivity has made the world seem smaller and more accessible, but also highlights the need to understand and respect the complex systems that underpin this interconnectedness.

💡Discernment

Discernment is the ability to judge well, as based on evidence or wisdom. The video speaks to the importance of discernment in making choices that are less harmful to others and the environment, suggesting that by understanding the consequences of our actions, we can make more thoughtful and meaningful decisions.

💡VUCA

VUCA stands for Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity, which are terms used to describe the unpredictable and turbulent nature of the modern world. The video reframes the VUCA world as an opportunity for clarity and meaningful action, suggesting that by understanding and navigating these elements, we can make better choices and contribute to a more sensible world.

Highlights

The speaker faced a dilemma in 1987 between using disposable diapers and cloth diapers, reflecting on the environmental and personal impacts of our choices.

Humanity's story is one of survival and thriving through the use of ingenuity and intelligence, adapting to different technological 'waves'.

Alfred Duffler's 'Third Wave' theory categorizes societal development through technological advancements and their societal impacts.

The First Wave introduced agriculture, leading to stable food supplies, population growth, and new social orders.

The Second Wave, associated with the Industrial Revolution, focused on machines, mass production, and urbanization.

The Third Wave encompasses current society, characterized by knowledge-driven technologies and disruptive innovations.

Disruptive technologies, when paired with the right business models, lead to the creation of new markets and consumer behaviors.

Examples of disruptive innovations include personal computers, mobile phones, streaming services, and ride-sharing apps.

Science and technology have empowered us but also raised concerns about privacy and the impact on social structures.

Pope Francis's encyclical 'Laudato Si' calls for an integral ecology, considering environmental and social degradation.

The culture of relativism and consumption driven by the technocratic paradigm has significant dominance over humanity.

The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the importance of integral ecology and a holistic understanding of complex systems.

The pandemic has exposed the interconnectedness of science, economy, human rights, and politics in managing global crises.

The need for discernment in the face of volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity is emphasized for meaningful choices.

The lockdown period showed that we can survive with less, highlighting the potential for a more sustainable lifestyle.

The speaker's personal compromise between cloth and disposable diapers illustrates the balance between convenience and environmental impact.

Living with technology should involve active choices and considerations for the common good and environmental sustainability.

Transcripts

[Music]

hello and welcome to this lecture

some 30 years ago in 1987 when i was a

young mother

i was faced with a dilemma should we use

disposable diapers

which could not be recycled and

contributed to waste in the environment

or should we stick to cloth diapers

which meant

inconvenience and lack of sleep for us

that and similar dilemmas confront us in

our daily lives

as we take part in the collective story

of humanity

now the story of humanity is a story of

finding a way to survive using ingenuity

and

intelligence we have found ways not only

to survive as a species for the past two

hundred thousand

to three hundred thousand years but also

to thrive as societies

alfred duffler in his 1980 book the

third wave

described the societies in terms of

waves

where each wave displaced the previous

one

these waves were also characterized by

technologies which prevailed during that

time

for example the making of tools to help

feed the population whether they were

for the use of hunters

and gatherers or for farmers and fisher

folk

so during the stone age tools were made

of stone

during the iron age tools were made of

iron

technology after all is about us humans

modifying the natural world

to serve our needs and wants

the development of agriculture during

the first wave

truly led to a more stable supply of

food

and also an increase in population

it also led to the development of

settlements

and a new social order in the form of

landlord tenant and master slave

relationships

during the second wave which is usually

associated with

industrial revolution the technology

focused on machines and mass production

this period also saw the rise of urban

centers

and new ways of distributing resources

and managing waste

as well as new systems for labor the

economy

and education third wave

which includes our current society uses

science

or knowledge driven technology such as

information and communication technology

biotechnology and material science and

engineering

many of these technologies are now

referred to as disruptive technologies

because they completely changed the way

we did things

when paired with the right business

disruptive technology

becomes disruptive innovation they

create new markets

seeing personal computers replacing the

mainframe computer that brought

information technology from a business

to business model

to a business to client model paving the

way

for laptops and other gadgets think

mobile phones that replace the landline

phones

so that more people have access to

technology

think itunes and now spotify and other

streaming apps that change the way we

buy music

think netflix and other video streaming

apps that change the way we watched

movies

think ride sharing that improved our

mobility

and think delivery apps that helped us

during the lockdown

if we were to think of life before the

lockdowns

we can see how science and technology

has given us

more power than we could imagine

we could see more despite

our concern for privacy we can penetrate

rock traverse continents

and experience cultures like never

before

with the right resources we could

control temperatures

and get the things we want on demand

our connectivity has made our world

smaller

and to a certain degree flat

with the help of technology we have

gotten used to a certain lifestyle

that we now tend to take for granted

access to some form of livelihood

whether it's a regular job

or a gig freedom to go wherever and

whenever we wanted

because travel and tourism simply had

become affordable

freedom to say what's on our minds

because

we now have social media sometimes

without thinking of consequences

freedom to go on a binge and the list

goes on

without noticing it we had begun to

focus on things that we could do

and not miss out on without noticing it

personal attitudes and beliefs changed

even social structures changed leading

to polarizations

in many societies those who want to have

their freedoms

versus those who miss the authoritarian

regime that made life more predictable

however the story of humanity it's not

just about

survival and seizing the day

it is also about making sense of it all

given that we can experience everything

how do we make sense of what is

happening how do we make sense of our

own lives

how do we make sense of those who are in

the margins

and the whole of creation that is why

pope francis

reminded us of things that matter in his

encyclical laudate

care for our common home which came out

five years ago

in may 2015. he touched on many points

such as environmental and social

degradation

integral ecology ecological conversion

dialogue spirituality but let me touch

on just a few points

he reminded us about our culture of

relativism

where we place ourselves at the center

and above everything else

even at the cost of environmental and

social degradation

he reminded us of our culture of

consumption

which in his analysis could be due to

the

technocratic paradigm that is those with

the knowledge and technology

such as the biotech and the ict

and coupled with economic resources

these people have impressive dominance

over humanity

and the rest of the world because the

primary concern is always profit

business and government make it easy for

us to buy these things in the spirit of

economic growth

think of how we convinced ourselves that

we need certain gadgets

or the need to change the way we look

because businesses

want you to do so because they earn

profit

admittedly we need many resources

in order to survive in today's world and

so we buy

and control but when is enough enough

how do we make sense of all the things

that we do

and all the things we own

the response of pope francis is a call

for integral ecology

which highlights respect for human and

social conditions

integral ecology considers sustainable

development

culture quality of human life the common

good

and justice for generations

the kovi 19 pandemic has highlighted

how important integral ecology is it is

integral because

we need to see the big picture and use

different perspectives

to understand all the different parts of

the whole

the science and technology to understand

the virus

and to look for solutions the economic

strain on our systems

the discrimination of filipinos and the

front lines of the livelihood

livelihood of the poor the human rights

violations

in the spirit of controlling the spread

of disease

the politics in managing the pandemic

these are complex systems that feed back

into each other

and that have led to a volatile and

uncertain world

a world with ambiguous situations fake

news about covet 19 are used for

political agenda

the u.s president for example sees mass

squaring

as a political statement lockdowns are

used as an

opportunity to trample on people's

rights because we cannot hold mass

protests

take the anti-terror bill and the

renewal of the ads-cbn franchises

examples

we live in a world where people try to

deliberately confuse

us just to further their agenda

so perhaps it's time to go back

to what science taught us in the first

place

to deal with facts to respect the laws

of nature

to verify the truth of our information

through a community of experts and a

code of ethics

for example deteriorating air quality

and global warming are not opinions

there are known results from verified

measurements

the differences may be in the theories

related to them

for example that pollution causes

respiratory diseases

or that carbon dioxide causes global

warming

and global warming causes climate change

but even these theories need to be

understood from astringent scientific

methodology

and logical reasoning that is why there

are

theories that hold more sway than others

the answers are not straightforward

because

they are embedded in these very very

complex systems

because of this we should err on the

side of kosher

and avoid things that could potentially

harm our world

these complex systems show our deep

connectivity with

and dependence on the earth and its

resources

however we are consuming these resources

at a rate that is much

faster the earth can regenerate them

the rate is faster because our life

our lifestyles of convenience comfort

and consumerism need to extract more

energy

more materials to support the way we

live

what is interesting is that when covid19

stopped us from our usual ways

the earth found a way to recover we have

cleaner air

other creatures have reclaimed their

habitats

and just like cleaner air clarity in our

vision

leads to active understanding

during the lockdown we saw that we could

survive on much less

we learned to experience focusing

on buying local and engaging our

communities

deepening our faith this shows

that we can discern the consequences of

our choices

and behaviors can we continue

to make the choices that hurt other

people less

and benefit society and the environment

more

can we choose a lifestyle that doesn't

harm the environment

even if it means a little inconvenience

for us

can we choose leaders who think not only

of self-interest

but of the common good and of those who

have no voices

or who will only have voices in the

future like the poor

and the future generations discernment

can convert

ambiguity to thoughtful and meaningful

choices

the vocal world of volatility

uncertainty

complexity and ambiguity can be reframed

as a world that makes sense because the

clarity in our vision gives us a better

understanding

of what truly matters and because the

courage to shift

gears or to have agility helps us to act

more on meaningful choices

so let's go back to my personal

challenge in 1987.

what did we finally decide for our

babies

cloth or disposable diapers well

we decided on a compromise we used cloth

diapers with nappy liners

most of the time we used disposable

diapers during

weeknights so we could all sleep

properly

and during long trips when changing

nappies could be problematic

living with technology does not

have to be just a passive acceptance

of what businesses and the government

sells to us

by seeing the options and consequences

more deeply

by judging what kind of lifestyle works

best

not only for myself but also for the

good of others and for creation

by acting on these choices so that

they can become reality we may yet hope

for a better life thank you

[Music]

you