Why AI Optimism and Our Values can Synergize with Francis Heylighen (Part 2)

In the second part of their conversation, Ilia Delio asks Francis Heylighen “what values do we need to focus on to guide this global transformation?” Professor Heylighen tells us why he’s optimistic about AI, and “why” synergy exists in our universe at all. 

ABOUT FRANCIS HEYLIGHEN

“The ever-faster evolution of science, technology and culture appears to herald a new metasystem transition. This will lead to a system with as yet unpredictable capacities for adaptation, creativity, thought, consciousness and action. Probably the best metaphor for this

is the ‘global brain,’ the thinking system that arises through the integration of all individuals on this planet via an intelligent computer network.”

Prof. Francis Heylighen is the research director of the Center Leo Apostel for transdisciplinary studies at the Free University of Brussels (VUB). He investigates the self-organization and evolution of complex systems from a cybernetic perspective, with applications to the emerging information society. His over 200 scientific publications have received thousands of citations.