This seventh issue of Noema is themed around ‘The Next Axial Age’, an upending of the current Axial Age—as theorised by philosopher Karl Jaspers—that emerged two millennia ago when the foundational religions and philosophies of today first emerged. This hypothesised new epoch is, unsurprisingly, spearheaded by advancements in AI, ‘marking a decisive recomposition of the first Axial Age legacy.’
Inside, various writers and theorists consider what this ‘AI–Xial Age’ might usher in. Senior lecturer in technology Otto Scharmer presents an analysis of the evolution between eras, and how to navigate this forthcoming age; strategic advisor Barton Friedland delves into how employers should react to the increasing impacts of AI on the workplace; and lecturer James O’Sullivan explores the demise of social media, and proliferation of AI–slop over human content.
