Fable to Reveal Aristotle’s Thoughts and Unleash Human + AI Potential

The potential of AI for good depended on the purpose we gave it, the "telos" we designed it to fulfill.

Aristotle (384–322 BCE) was a student of Plato and is considered one of the most influential thinkers in Western history. He and his associates - both female and male thinkers in their time wrote on a wide range of topics, including logic, metaphysics, ethics, politics, physics, and biology. How can professionals in contemporary societies apply his philosophy to deal with real-world issues insightfully?

Rain pattered against the window of Fay’s cluttered apartment. A self-proclaimed "digital nomad," Fay had spent years chasing the next viral trend online, flitting from one passion project to another without ever mastering any. Today, however, a notification from his favorite philosophy forum piqued his interest. A heated debate raged about artificial intelligence (AI). Some argued for the creation of "superintelligent" AIs, while others feared the consequences. Fay, ever the observer, scrolled through the arguments, none resonating with him.

Suddenly, a new post caught his eye. It was titled "Aristotle and the Missing Telos." The writer argued that the current debate missed the mark. AI, like any tool, needed a purpose, a "Telos" as Aristotle called it. Intrigued, Fay delved deeper. Aristotle, the writer explained, believed everything had a natural purpose, a function it was meant to fulfill. Similarly, AI shouldn't be an unmoored intelligence, but one designed with a specific goal.

The idea struck Fai. He'd been treating his life like a formless blob of potential, lacking any clear purpose. Maybe, he thought, it was time to identify his own "telos." He spent the next few days reflecting. He realized his true passion wasn't the fleeting fame of viral trends, but the joy of creation. He loved building things, taking ideas, and turning them into tangible products.

With newfound focus, Fay began crafting educational apps, and tools designed to make learning engaging and accessible. Slowly, he found his niche, his "telos." His apps weren't instant hits, but they brought him a sense of fulfillment he hadn't experienced before. Years later, Kai was a successful designer, creating AI-powered learning platforms. He believed AI wasn't a threat, but a tool, just like a well-designed app. Its potential for good depended on the purpose we gave it, the "telos" we designed it to fulfill.

Fay's journey, from a scattered nomad to a purposeful creator, became a testament to the enduring relevance of Aristotle's philosophy in the digital age.

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