Memory, Technology, and Wisdom

Drawing from classical philosophical discourse, including Plato's reflections on knowledge and memory, this essay navigates the transition from traditional memory repositories to modern insights from Proust and Wordsworth to digital platforms. With the rise of AI, particularly Large Language Models (LLMs), new generative technologies challenge our traditional notions of memory and knowledge. Integrating Ong's concept of "secondary orality," the essay explores how technology, especially AI, might be ushering in a new era reminiscent of oral traditions, yet distinct in its digital nature. How do these AI models, which mimic human cognition, influence our understanding of knowledge and wisdom? And as these technologies become more integrated into our daily lives, what does it mean for the future of human knowledge?