Technology needs Energy Where is the Hermeneutics?
Hermeneutics is the theory and methodology of interpretation, especially where we often find it in understanding biblical texts, wisdom literature such as the "Great Books," and theological and philosophical texts.
It's essentially the art and science of understanding and communicating meaning. Remember, "meaning" expresses reality, and "meaning" comes to us through metaphors, myths, literature, and parables.
Here are some critical points about hermeneutics: We should begin to Think of the "See-Judge-Act" as a "hermeneutic."
Interpretation: the SJA method should be thought of as a Hermeneutic for understanding what is going on in our world through the lens of Joseph Cardijn, Catholic Social Teachings (including Vatican II documents), and our ability to process and understand and explain the meaning of something, such as emerging technology and all that is involved in the life cycle of technology.
Context: Hermeneutics considers the context in which something is created or expressed, which can significantly influence its meaning.
Subjectivity: While hermeneutics seeks objectivity, we must also acknowledge that interpretation is influenced by the interpreter's experiences, beliefs, and perspectives. Think of the role of education.
Dialogue is a key component of hermeneutics. It involves a conversation between the text and the interpreters, in this case, us, the people. This dialogue is essential for shaping our understanding of technology. Through innovation, education, and collaboration, the text challenges and shapes the interpreter's understanding, leading to a more comprehensive view of technology and its implications.
As we navigate the era of the Autonomous Revolution, we can draw on the lessons learned from the Industrial Revolution. In this context, the writings and work of Joseph Cardijn and others, who have long championed human rights and the dignity of human beings, remain as relevant as ever.
In the Autonomous Revolution, Artificial intelligence could revolutionize the U.S. energy system. An expert symposium concluded that AI offers specific and transformational opportunities to the nuclear industry, enabling rapid deployment of clean energy assets, securing critical networks, and reducing the capital and operational costs of next-generation energy technologies. This potential is a cause for optimism in the energy sector.
Implications for nuclear: SJA must come into play.
Question: Is nuclear energy in an A.I. arms race?
Judge/Discernment:
Experts advocate that nuclear power must embrace AI to remain competitive in the electricity generation market. However, through the lens of Catholic Social Teaching, we must discern the ethical implications. How do we discern the good, the bad, and the ugly of this situation?
Can society benefit more from nuclear powering more AI applications because its intricate interdependencies pose challenges well-suited for AI solutions? This could potentially be a boon for humans, the planet, and the future of science.
In particular, AI's knowledge base must capture and discern cross-disciplinary connections, which will become a key driver for the use of nuclear power. What say ye?
Economics: Developing and expanding AI's link to nuclear power can be cost-effective with mini-plants compared to what we have normally seen in the past. Historically, one reason for delays and cost overruns in reactor projects resulted from construction beginning before the design was completed. Think about that for a moment. Now think about all the interdependencies and challenges AI and nuclear power present, which are eminently addressable using "AI" because AI has the capabilities the limitless capability to store knowledge and the ability to recognize connections across disciplines where subject matter experts are inherently limited, and this is in addition to what AI can do that humans can not do: Multi-task. Will all this be faster and more available because of the interconnectivity of data centers being powered by nuclear?
Watch what Oracle is doing.
Chairman and co-founder Larry Ellison made a "bizarre" announcement about data centers and the future of data, which is what his company is all about.
The demand for electricity from artificial intelligence is becoming so "crazy" and out of control that Oracle is looking to secure power from next-generation nuclear technology, Ellison told investors on Monday's earnings call:
"Let me say something that's going to sound really bizarre: Oracle is designing a data center that will require more than a gigawatt of electricity ~ Three small nuclear reactors would power the data center."
AI is about cloud services, data centers, and massive data storage. Look around your area for all those new data centers, data farms, etc., that are popping up in cities and the countryside.
Small modular nuclear reactors are new designs that promise to speed the deployment of reliable, carbon-free energy as power demand rises from data centers, manufacturing, and the broader electrification of the economy.
Generally, these reactors are 300 megawatts or less, about a third the size of the typical reactor in the current U.S. fleet. They would be prefabricated in several pieces and then assembled on the site, reducing the capital costs that stymie larger plants. Picture a future where neighborhoods all have reactors to power their houses and run datasets and applications focused on A.I.
Right now, these small modular reactors are a technology of the future. Still, with AI growing and the demand for data outpacing what humans can provide, that future is coming quickly upon us. The nuclear industry executives generally agree that commercializing these mini plants in the U.S. won't start until the 2030s.
Folks, that is just around the corner.
Using the SJA method, what was Joseph Cardijn's hermeneutic and technology of his day, and what was the cause/effect it had on labor and human beings?
What challenges and risks associated with this approach need to be carefully considered? What hermeneutics will we develop to address the good, the bad, and the ugly of data center evolution? The decision to pursue this strategy will depend on factors such as the specific needs of the data center, the regulatory environment, and public acceptance. What are the "Cathonomics" involved, and what does this mean for our lives? Think beyond just the nuclear aspect and consider what that power brings to the world. Where do you see Catholic Social Teachings coming into play?