89. Technology and Ethics, Parallel Worlds, and Human Creativity, with Kestral Gaian

What if becoming more human is the real challenge of the technological age?In this episode of Alternate Futures, Kestral Gaian and I explore the intersection of science fiction, software, ethics and imagination. Drawing on decades in the technology industry, Kestral discusses the human side of software development, the ethics of programming, the culture of Silicon Valley, the power of marketing to shape society, and why today's AI tools may be far less intelligent—and far more influential—than many people believe. Together we explore creativity in an increasingly automated world, the value of making imperfect art, and why science fiction remains one of humanity's best ways of exploring uncertain futures.We delve into Kestral's new science fiction series, The Reality Quake Saga, beginning with The Boy From Elsewhere, leading to discussions about alternate realities, hidden histories, worldbuilding, and the enduring influence of classics TV science fiction such as Sliders and Crime Traveller.We also discuss how science fiction helps us grapple with the unknown; gender, reproduction, long-term space settlement; and what the future of human society might look like.As always, there are the Big QuestionsBooks of Kestral's we discuss: The Boy from Elsewhere (Reality Quake Saga)https://kestr.al/alternatefutures.substack.comalternatefutures.co.uk