It’s hard to believe that the WeeklyTech podcast just turned one year old! Over this past year, I have had the privilege of interviewing some of our society’s top thinkers and scholars about the pressing issues of theology, ethics, and philosophy in our technological society. It has been a real joy to connect with them and hear about their important work.
As many of us start to prepare for summer, I wanted to highlight the top five conversations from this past year on WeeklyTech in case you missed any of them or want to share your favorites with others. Also, a special thanks all of you that have tuned in this past year, especially those who have left a review in your favorite podcasting app.
The Top 5:
In this episode, I am joined by Dr. Carl Trueman, Professor of Biblical and Religious Studies at Grove City College in Grove City, Pennsylvania, and we talk about his latest book, The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self.
In this episode, I am joined by my friend David French who serves as senior editor at The Dispatch and a columnist for Time, and we talk about his book Divided We Fall: America’s Secession Threat and How to Restore Our Nation and the role of social media in the divisions we face.
In this episode, I am joined by Dr. Derek Schuurman, Professor of Computer Science at Calvin University, and we talk about his work in computer science from a faith perspective.
- Episode 43: A conversation with Drs. James Davison Hunter and Paul Nedelisky on science and morality
In this episode, I am joined by Drs. James Davidson Hunter and Paul Nedelisky, both professors at the University of Virginia, and we talk about the nature of science and morality based on their book Science and the Good: The Tragic Quest for the Foundations of Morality from Yale University Press.
In this episode, I am joined by Dr. Brian Brock, Professor of Moral and Practical Theology at the University of Aberdeen in Aberdeen, Scotland, and we talk about ethical technology.
If there is someone you think we should interview on the podcast or a topic you would like us to cover, make sure to drop me a note at weeklytech@erlc.com. Thanks again for tuning in this past year and don’t forget to check out this week’s interview with Mary Eberstadt about her books How the West Really Lost God and Primal Screams.
The Rundown
Social app Parler is cracking down on hate speech — but only on iPhones – Kevin Randall | The Washington Post
Shut down after the Jan. 6 riot, Parler is using a new artificial intelligence moderation system with more stringent standards for the App Store than other platforms.
Censorship, Surveillance and Profits: A Hard Bargain for Apple in China – Jack Nicas, Raymond Zhong, and Daisuke Wakabayashi | The New York Times
Apple built the world’s most valuable business on top of China. Now it has to answer to the Chinese government.
The Pentagon Inches Toward Letting AI Control Weapons – Will Knight | WIRED
Drills involving swarms of drones raise questions about whether machines could outperform a human operator in complex scenarios.
Farewell (again) to Microsoft’s Internet Explorer – Zoe Kleinman | BBC News
Microsoft’s Internet Explorer will finally be retired next year after more than 26 years of service, the tech giant says.
We could see federal regulation on face recognition as early as next week – Tate Ryan-Mosley | MIT Technology Review
Amazon and others are indefinitely suspending police use of face recognition products, but proposed legislation could make bans bigger or more permanent.
Amazon partners with Tile to take on Apple AirTags – Jon Fortt and Fahiemah Al-Ali | CNBC
Amazon announced Friday that it is partnering with Tile, a company that makes trackers for lost items, and Level, which makes smart locks, to use those devices to enhance its tracking network based on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth technology.
The Blue Check Mark’s Evil Cousin – Will Oremus | The Atlantic
On Clubhouse, a black badge was meant to identify trolls. It’s become an emblem of the app’s dysfunctional moderation system.