JOC - Praxis - A video. Yeah, they are all connected!

The work of our JOC efforts is commonly called "Praxis."

Praxis is the act of implementing, applying, or bringing theory, knowledge, or skills into real-world use. It appears in fields like philosophy, education, health care, and social work. Unlike "theory" (which is abstract understanding) and "practice" (which can be simply performing tasks), Praxis specifically refers to informed, deliberate action based on reflection and critical engagement: See-Judge-Act.

Philosophically, Aristotle distinguished Praxis from other types of activity: theoria (thinking or contemplation) and poiesis (making or production). For Aristotle, Praxis was "doing" guided by practical wisdom (phronesis) and ethical considerations aimed at human flourishing.

Our modern interpretations, especially as outlined by the encyclicals, Praxis is not just any action but a transformative process of 'reflection and action upon the world to transform it.' It combines reflection and action aimed at social change and justice, inspiring hope for a better future.

Why is Praxis Important?

• Bridges Theory and Practice: Praxis links knowledge and values to real-world action, making learning and ethical principles meaningful and impactful.

• Encourages Critical Reflection: The cyclical process of Praxis—reflection, action, analysis—fosters continuous improvement and adaptability.

• Drives Social Change: In our encyclical tradition, Praxis is key to challenging social injustice and fostering social transformation through engaged, collective reflection.

• Supports Skill Development: Essentially, it is crucial for tasks involving planning, mental coordination, and adaptive thinking for both the young and elderly.

• Fosters Human Flourishing: Rooted in classical philosophy, Praxis is not just about action, but about ethical action and creating a good life. It connects us to our philosophical roots and the pursuit of human flourishing.

NOW I have something for you to watch and think about.

A friend of mine sent me a video that's about 28 minutes long and uses a type of synthetic technology/media. It's interesting to see how this kind of technology is developing and becoming accessible to the public. Ten years ago, we wouldn't have seen something like this in the work we do.

As emerging technology becomes more 'intelligent,' creating content requires less human involvement. A consequence of this shift is what we call synthetic media, a form of artificially generated media. Synthetic media is a new type of virtual content produced using artificial intelligence (AI). Its high level of realism and immersion distinguishes it from traditional media. The implications for Praxis are significant, as this technology has the potential to revolutionize the way we engage in social change and justice, two key aspects of Praxis.

Synthetic media is used across many industries and organizations. This video offers a clear example of what I am talking about. It might be one of the last places you'd expect to see AI in action. But we should all remember that the medium is the message. This concept suggests that the form of a medium (e.g., synthetic media) embeds itself in the message, influencing how the message is perceived. This is true no matter the movement or organization.

This 28-minute video introduces its main idea within the first 5 minutes.

A key aspect of synthetic media is its ability to direct the audience's attention to a specific area of focus. The voice and tone are the primary focus here; everything else acts as background. After about 5 minutes, your focus shifts from the room to the sound. In other videos, the scenery might be the main point, and so on.

Now, notice when you stop focusing on the room and begin paying solely attention to the words. How long did that take? Watch how this process unfolds.

(Again, this is early-stage development; give this technology six to twelve months, and it will be completely indistinguishable from reality.)

Again, keep in mind that as we go through a societal shift with the autonomous revolution, the medium is always the message. How does this technology influence our work and understanding of Praxis?

Share with us what you thought and what you were feeling while watching and listening to this video. Your reflections are crucial to everyone's understanding of the implications of synthetic media and the future of Praxis.

What moved you? What made you question the video or the message? Was there something about the message that caused you anxiety? What motivated you to explore further?

Share this with your friends and teams and see what their thoughts are.