182: Unlocking Cyborg Skills: Enhancing Human Cognition with AI With Justin Germishuys

Living On The Edge of Chaos

Challenges & Goals

Justin's main challenge is navigating the complex intersections of psychology, philosophy, technology, and education to create an effective model for integrating AI into human cognition. His goal is to develop a new paradigm that views humans as cyborgs in the Andy Clark sense - beings whose minds naturally extend into their environment through tools and technologies.

Surprising Takeaways

One surprising takeaway from this conversation was the concept of "cyborg skills," which are not only about how humans can extend themselves with technology but also about what new cognitive processes become possible when we think about ourselves as cyborgs.

Risk vs Reward

The risks discussed include fears related to cheating and instructional practice changes when integrating AI into education. There's also mention of societal harm due to unanticipated consequences, such as those seen with social media. On the other hand, rewards include overcoming cognitive biases, enhancing productivity, creativity, decision-making processes, identifying bias or poor argumentation in texts using AI, detecting diseases like cancer more accurately than humans.

Emerging Patterns

• Need for a paradigm shift in how we view our minds and their relationship with technology.
• Emphasis on viewing AI not just as a tool for productivity but as a means to enhance human capabilities.
• The idea of "cyborg skills" as an essential part of future education.

Key Moments

• "Our brains just naturally through the way that we form mental models… incorporate tools and as we use them fluently, they become an extension of our minds."
• "If we're not providing [students] with what I've started calling cyborg skills… then we're doing them a disservice."
• "[AI] will largely be populated by cyborgs in the Andy Clark sense of the word."
• "Humans need AI tools to enhance their performance beyond natural capabilities."
• "AI can help overcome cognitive biases by providing more objective analysis and reasoning in complex situations."
• "Our value lies not just in critical thinking and creativity but also in our unique experiences and imaginations."

RESOURCES

• Justin on LinkedIn
• Justin website https://germinotion.com/
• Andy Clark Book Publications
• The Design of Everyday Things: Revised and Expanded Edition