"Wisdom Deficit in the Age of Information" by Edward Spence
(Presentation)Abstract for next presentation:
The age of abundant of information is paradoxically marked by a deficit of
wisdom. It seems the more information we have at our disposal the less wise we
become in managing and controlling that information for our individual and
collective welfare. We simply do not always know the best way to handle digital
information. Part of the problem is that there is too much of it and secondly
there is not enough time to absorb it, understand its implications and judge
the best way to use it for our individual and common good. The glut of
information has created gluttony for information, which can lead us to behave
not necessarily unethically but rather unwisely and foolishly. Examples of such
unwise and foolish online behaviour abound. Take for example the Australian
treble Olympic gold medallist Stephanie Rise who lost a lucrative sponsorship
with Jaguar as a result of a thoughtless tweet about the South African rugby
team; the Canberra Raiders star who was
photographed performing an act of simulated bestiality with a dog, which was
later published on the internet and forced his resignation. There are many such
daily informational acts of unwise and self-defeating behaviour, which but for
the all-seeing-eye of the omnipresent internet, would normally pass unnoticed
as matters of no consequence. The problem is that what goes on the internet
stays on the internet.
If we cannot control or manage the flow of information on the internet just as
we cannot control the weather, the next best thing is to control our own online
informational behaviour, which is within our control. We have to learn how to
use and disseminate information wisely in a manner that protects and promotes
our individual and collective wellbeing. Wisdom that was the core concern of
philosophy in ancient Greece provides a ready-made model. As a higher-type of
knowledge (knowing how to understand and use information with good judgement
for the benefit of all) wisdom can provide practical know-how for applying
information to improve our lives and that of others. It is also a reflective
virtue in the form of practical prudence, which can teach us how to create and
use information to live good and meaningful lives in the infosphere – lives
that are capable of leading to self-fulfilment and well-being, for us and
others.
Biographical Note for Edward Spence
Edward Spence, BA (Honors, First Class), PhD (University of Sydney), is a
senior lecturer in moral philosophy and applied ethics in the School of
Communication and Creative Industries, Charles Sturt University. He is a Senior
Research Fellow at the ARC Special Research Centre for Applied Philosophy and
Public Ethics (CAPPE) in Canberra and a Research Fellow at the 3TU Centre of
Excellence for Ethics and Technology, The Hague, Netherlands. He is the author
of Advertising Ethics 2005,Corruption and Anti-Corruption: A Philosophical
Approach (2005),Ethics Within Reason: A Neo-Gewirthian Approach (2006), Media,
Markets and Morals, Wiley-Blackwell (2011), and The Good Life in a
Technological Age (forthcoming) Routlege. He is also the author of several
papers in national and international journals in applied philosophy and applied
ethics, including media and new media ethics and the ethics of information and
technology. He is the creator and producer of
the Philosophy Plays project whose aim is the introduction of philosophy to
the general public through drama and audience participation through discussion.
Conceived by Edward in 1997, the Philosophy Plays project combines
philosophical talks with original plays performed by actors in public forums
among others, restaurants, pubs, theatres, vineyards, and opera houses.
This free presentation is open to the public, reflecting the policy of The
Philosophers Corner to spread culture and knowledge. However we appreciate a
‘gold coin donation’ to help us cover the costs of delivering our
presentations, and sharing of philosophical ideas. The presentation will be
recorded and available for purchase by members.
Please arrive few minutes before 7:30 on September 7th, 2011, though the
speaker will start presenting at 7:30 we would like attendees to be by 7:15 if
possible.
After the presentation, if time allow us the group will continue talking at The
Fringe pub, 106 Oxford Street Paddington NSW 2021.
For bookings:
http://www.meetup.com/The-Philosophers-Corner/
http://www.meetup.com/The-Philosophers-Corner/events/28462961/
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