Antikythera: A Speculative Philosophy of Computation for the 21st Century

The Dawn of Planetary Computation

We live in an era where technology, particularly planetary-scale computation, has outpaced our ability to understand it. Our current philosophical frameworks are like ill-fitting clothes – they simply don't suit the new reality we inhabit. It's time for philosophy to become inventive, to generate new concepts rather than simply applying old ones to a world transformed by computation.

The Antikythera mechanism, an ancient astronomical computer, offers a powerful symbol. It wasn't just a calculator; it was a way of orienting thought in relation to the cosmos. This idea of computation as a means of revealing and accelerating planetary intelligence lies at the heart of our project.

Computation as World-Ordering

Computation, in its broadest sense, is a process of ordering the world. From the first marks on clay tablets in ancient Sumeria to today's complex algorithms, it has shaped how we understand and interact with reality. It's not just a tool; it's a medium through which social intelligence complexifies, a force that reshapes philosophy, science, and society.

While computation may be a near-universal principle, its societal form is incredibly malleable. As AI becomes increasingly prominent, computation may shift from being primarily instrumental to forming the very basis of widespread non-biological intelligence. This demands a new philosophical scrutiny.

An Allocentric Perspective

Our philosophical approach is allocentric, "Copernican" rather than phenomenological. We believe that true understanding comes from looking outward, from stepping outside our own heads and perspectives. Technology, particularly computation, becomes the mediator through which we gain this external view, revealing ourselves and the world as they truly are.

This allocentric turn doesn't diminish human sapience; it simply repositions it within a larger context. We are but a part of a larger planetary phenomenon, the intensification of abstract intelligence. If our work can contribute to a future science of intelligence and technology as intertwined planetary phenomena, we will have truly succeeded.

Synthetic Intelligence: Beyond the Human Reflection

The rise of synthetic intelligence challenges our very definition of intelligence. We are moving beyond anthropomorphic notions of AI, recognizing the vast and weird spectrum of machine intelligence. Large Language Models, with their uncanny ability to generate text and other media, exemplify this shift. They force us to confront the limitations of our existing vocabulary and to develop new ways of understanding what intelligence can be.

"Asking if AI can genuinely 'think' according to the standards set forth by Kant is like asking if a newly discovered creature is an 'animal' as defined by Aristotle. The real question is how the new evidence updates the category."

Recursive Simulations: Shaping the Future

Simulations are no longer mere shadows of reality; they are becoming paths to knowledge. From climate models to digital twins, they allow us to grasp complex systems and even to act upon them. These recursive simulations not only represent the world but also shape it, becoming key tools for governance and existential reckoning.

The example of black holes, first theorized mathematically and later observed, highlights the predictive power of simulations. They can guide us towards discoveries, shaping our perception of reality and revealing truths that would otherwise remain hidden.

Hemispherical Stacks: The Geopolitics of Computation

Planetary computation is not a monolithic entity; it's a complex, layered system, a "stack" of interconnected infrastructures. This stack is now fragmenting into "hemispherical stacks," driven by geopolitical competition. From chip wars to data sovereignty, the control and flow of computation are shaping the future of global power dynamics. We need a new map to navigate this changing terrain.

Planetary Sapience: Towards a Shared Future

Planetary sapience involves recognizing the interconnectedness of intelligence, technology, and the planetary condition. It demands a conscious effort to steer the evolution of intelligence, both biological and artificial, towards a viable long-term future. This involves moving beyond narrow human-centric perspectives and embracing the wider potential of planetary intelligence.

Planetary-scale computation has revealed the profound impact of human activity on the planet. Now, with this newfound awareness, we must strive to become more than just sentient; we must become sapient, capable of judgment and governance on a planetary scale.

Researching the Future

The Antikythera program employs a unique, multi-faceted approach. We combine rigorous conceptual development with collaborative studio-based research, bringing together experts from a diverse range of disciplines. Through speculative engineering, worldbuilding, and critical analysis, we strive to build a new school of thought for the speculative philosophy of computation. Our goal is to contribute to the emergence of a new science, one that integrates life, intelligence, and technology as interconnected planetary phenomena.