Digital Public Square Podcast with Jason Thacker
Conversations on theology, ethics, and philosophy in the public square
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A conversation with Dr. Jacob Shatzer about transhumanism, technology, and parenting
Dr. Jacob Shatzer, assistant professor of theological studies and associate dean in the School of Theology & Missions at Union University in Jackson, Tennessee, joins me to talk about transhumanism and Christian discipleship. We look at what it means to understand technology in light of our theology and discuss how we can teach our kids to engage rightly with technology.
A conversation with Emily Wenger about facial recognition technology
Emily Wenger, a Computer Science PhD Student and researcher at The University of Chicago, joins me to talk about facial recognition technology and her PhD work. We discuss some concerns surrounding facial recognition technology and how her faith impacts her work.
A conversation with Dr. Jamie Aten about psychology and technology
Dr. Jamie Aten joins me on the podcast to talk about technology, humanitarian disasters, and some of the psychological aspects of the pandemic. We discuss how technology has been a gift during this season but also some of its pitfalls and how we can navigate those.
How to teach our kids to use technology during a pandemic
I love Sunday mornings, but there is one thing I dread each week about them. Outside of the blessing of gathering together as the church (even remotely in this season) and extra time with my family, I get the dreaded notification on my iPhone.
Should your church use facial recognition technology?
You may read that headline and wonder how in the world someone could ask that question when many churches are still not able to meet in person or are having hybrid services to cut down on the spread of COVID-19.
What is digital authoritarianism?
One of the hidden blessings of 2020 has been the ability to rethink our routines and habits. Some have picked up new hobbies while others have decided to rethink how they approach technology, news, and social media.
Ethics for the Digital Age: Defining and Pursuing the Good for Our Good
A friend recently tweeted that she believes ethics to be an impossibility. As she unpacked what she meant, I realized this attitude toward ethics is shared by many, especially in our digital age. With the rise of sophisticated modern technologies—such as artificial intelligence (AI), facial recognition, bioengineering, and social media—our society will increasingly question what’s moral or immoral, as well as how we might pursue an ethical life.