Tell Me Why

Would you care if AI wrote your favourite novel? In the second episode of Tell Me Why, tech journalist and Londoner editor Alys Key joins Prospect’s Alona Ferber and Imaan Irfan. They explore how artificial intelligence is shaping literature, after recent awards became mired in scandal over entries allegedly written by AI.

They discuss cognitive debt, the “dearth” of the author, and the risks of anthropomorphising tech. Plus, is struggle a necessary part of the writing process?

And stay tuned for an explainer of what AI-enthusiasts are calling the “human sandwich”.

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Religious zealots, tech accelerationists and ethnonationalists are trying to fast-track the apocalypse. But why?

In the first ever episode of Tell Me Why, Naomi Klein and Astra Taylor join Imaan Irfan and Alona Ferber in the Prospect studio to discuss the ideas behind their new book End Times Fascism.

The four discuss the new face of fascism, why its disciples have an “Armageddon complex” and whether we should all be prepping our bunkers.
They also analyse the relationship between Silicon Valley’s tech bros and the fossil fuel industry—why have some of most powerful figures in technology switched from making environmental promises to stocking their spaceships and setting fire to what remains?

You’re listening to Tell Me Why, a new podcast brought to you by Prospect. Each Thursday, we’ll look at the ideas behind the week’s biggest stories to explore how they are shaping our world. Follow us wherever you get your podcasts.
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As tech insiders warn about an impending apocalypse, Ellen and Imaan are joined by Ethan Zuckerman, Prospect contributor and associate professor at the University of Massachusetts Amherst to examine those claims.

He discusses AI agents going rogue in the Hugging Face incident, as well as recent calls from tech leaders to slow down AI development. With Trump dismissing safety concerns, Ethan also discusses US competition with China, how global thinking around AI differs—and why he doesn't trust the industry to self-regulate.

Ethan explores how we can reclaim agency around AI, and the importance of local and community-oriented conversations, including a surprising initiative from a Maori radio station. Plus, what might a uniquely British AI look like?
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Exciting news! From October, the Prospect Podcast will have a new format and a new name: On ‘Tell Me Why’, Prospect’s editors, writers and guests will explore the ideas behind the biggest news stories of the week. Subscribe to the channel to be part of our new chapter.

And to read Ethan’s piece ‘Should Trump create an AI sovereign wealth fund’, click here or head to prospectmagazine.co.uk
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This month, Rural life writer Kiran Sidhu shares her love for her late father, who was an imperfect but brilliant parent. Meanwhile, Second life writer Vitali Vitaliev is reminded of his former, Soviet life when he reads about the hounding of Cambridge academic Jason Arday. Mindful life writer Sarah Collins extolls the benefits of embracing a beginner's mindset when approaching new hobbies. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have scientists found the secret to eternal power?

Engineers, inventors and sci-fi writers have long dreamed of harvesting the constant power of the sun. Now, plans to build solar panels in space are tantalisingly close to fruition. This week, Ellen is joined by Prospect contributing editor Isabel Hilton to explains why it could just work.

From rocket launches to robots assembling solar farms in space, Isabel explains the vision and its main obstacles. She also discusses the role of private companies and tech billionaires like Elon Musk, as well as China’s active solar-based programme.

Plus, Isabel explores how the UK can be part of the future, and how space-based solar compares to plans for nuclear fusion as an energy solution. After flash floods in Nepal, they also discuss the need for emergency power responses across the world.

To read Isabel’s article, click here: https://www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/ideas/technology/74474/space-solar-have-scientists-found-the-secret-to-eternal-power
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