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Category Archives: The Modern World
On Stephen Hawking, Vader, and Being More Machine Than Human
In this article, author and anthropologist Helene Mialet analyzes the relationship between humans and machines as it existed for scientist Stephen Hawking.
How did the advent of television impact politics?
In today’s media-saturated political climate, it’s hard to imagine a world in which in news about government policies, court cases, and elected officials was relegated to print news sources. Read this article to learn about some of the ways in which television has impacted American politics.
How Robots Are on the Front Lines in the Battle Against COVID-19
COVID-19 has the potential to overwhelm hospital resources and infect staff. Find out how robots are helping to ease both of those problems.
How the Pandemic Will End
Explore how the most likely scenarios surrounding the global outbreak of COVID-19 might play out.
How Much Sleep Are We Losing to Our Electronic Devices?
Did you know that most Americans sleep with some sort of electronic device in their rooms at night? Do you? Find out how this habit might be affecting your sleep.
Are we living in a computer simulation? I don’t know. Probably.
Read the article to learn about how artificial our reality could be. Why play video games when you may be living in one?
Can Museums and Other Institutions Keep up With Digital Culture?
In a rapidly-changing digital world, traditional cultural institutions like symphonies and museums are struggling to remain relevant. Find out how some are trying to keep up.
What’s next for the Internet of Things?
The Internet of Things is a movement to make the objects around us, from umbrellas to traffic lights, internet capable. Learn about the technology that already exists and what the future holds.
The Dawn of the Age of Artificial Intelligence
In this article, Erik Brynjolfsson and Andrew McAfee discuss the second machine age, in which artificial intelligence and the ability of most people to access online resources will come together to create new innovations.
Imagine a world without fossil fuels
Can you imagine a world where humans aren’t reliant on fossil fuels? Such a thing may seem impossible, but Christiana Figueres believes this ambitious goal is not only possible, but within reach.
A Lost Work by Langston Hughes Examines the Harsh Life on the Chain Gang
Though slavery was outlawed in the late 1800s, forced labor remained legal in the United States if someone was convicted of a crime. Langston Hughes wrote about such a loophole in his powerful essay examining the harshness of chain gangs.
How to colonize Venus, and why it’s a better plan than Mars
Humans currently have their eyes set on colonizing Mars in the near future. Read on to learn how Venus may be a better option.
World Without Borders
The late Garry Davis, a former bomber pilot haunted by his World War II experiences, hoped to unite all of mankind by eliminating national boundaries.
The Harlem Renaissance
Did you ever wonder what the Harlem Renaissance looked like? See for yourself by watching a video about this age of discovery for modern African-American literature, art, and music.
Did the United States put its own citizens in concentration camps during WWII?
After the attack on Pearl Harbor, the United States government relocated many Japanese Americans to internment camps. This article gives more information about how and why this happened.
Mind-reading robots are no longer science fiction
Scientists have created a robot that can be controlled with brain waves and subtle hand gestures. This paves the way for more responsive and intuitive robots. Are robot butlers and personal care workers in our future?
The World Wide Web: The Invention That Connected The World
The World Wide Web recently celebrated its 30th anniversary. Read about how the internet as we know it was developed and how it transformed the world.
IBM says to expect 5 big changes in the next 5 years
Massive changes for food and sustainability are on the horizon. Read on to catch a glimpse of what the future has in store.
Zora Neale Hurston, Genius of the Harlem Renaissance
Writer, anthropologist, and life of the party, Zora Neale Hurston, was a key figure of the Harlem Renaissance. Read this “retrobituary” to learn about her life and death.