Book talk - 'Prophecy: Prediction, Power, and the Fight for the Future, from Ancient Oracles to AI' with Carissa Véliz - Oxford Martin School

In a compelling exploration of the nature of prophecies, Carissa Véliz, an award-winning professor at the University of Oxford, presents her latest work, "Prophecy: Prediction, Power, and the Fight for the Future, from Ancient Oracles to AI." This book delves into how predictions shape our lives, influencing everything from personal finances and healthcare to the media we consume and the products marketed to us.

Véliz draws parallels between today’s computer scientists and the oracles of ancient times, as well as the astrologers of the Middle Ages. She argues that modern predictions extend beyond mere forecasts of war, crop yields, and personal relationships; they now encompass critical decisions regarding loans, job opportunities, housing, and even organ transplants. The author warns that reliance on these predictions can lead to a loss of control over our own lives, making us susceptible to manipulation by charlatans and dubious technologies.

Through her incisive analysis, Véliz highlights the dangers of placing too much trust in the predictions made by others. She examines various domains, including medicine, climate, and technology, revealing insights such as the tendency for predictions about human behavior to become self-fulfilling prophecies. She also critiques the notion that more data will necessarily lead to better outcomes, suggesting instead that artificial intelligence may increase risks rather than mitigate them.

Véliz posits that a free and robust society does not require an abundance of predictions but rather a commitment to better preparation for the future. This perspective challenges the prevailing belief that knowledge of the future is inherently beneficial, suggesting instead that the true power of prophecy lies in its potential to exert control over individuals and societies.

As an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Philosophy and the Institute for Ethics in AI, Véliz brings a wealth of knowledge to her examination of these themes. Her previous work, "Privacy Is Power," was recognized as an Economist book of the year and has been translated into seven languages. She has also authored "The Ethics of Privacy and Surveillance" and edited "The Oxford Handbook of Digital Ethics."

The Oxford Martin School, located at 34 Broad Street in Oxford, serves as the backdrop for Véliz's thought-provoking discussions on the ethical implications of data and predictions in our modern world. While her insights raise important questions about the role of prophecy in contemporary society, Paranormal Country has not confirmed the claims made in her book.