Reforms by advances, that is, by new methods or gadgets, are of course impressive at first, but in the long run they are dubious and in any case dearly paid for. They by no means increase the contentment or happiness of people on the whole. Mostly, they are deceptive sweetenings of existence, like speedier communications which unpleasantly accelerate the tempo of life and leave us with less time than ever before. Omnis festinatio ex parte diaboli est - ‘all haste is of the devil,’ as the old masters used to say. -Carl Jung, Memories, Dreams, Reflections
We will present a panel discussion with local speakers that explores the psychological impact of technology on cultural, social, political, and interpersonal dimensions.
Jung's commentary on technology is scant but typically pessimistic in prognosis and prescription. While it is true that many of our technological advances have created stress on the environment and in our interpersonal relationships, it is also true that these advances have provided a better quality of life, reduced poverty, and created access to information throughout the world. Additionally, our own region has experienced phenomenal strides in the advancement of science, better education, and wealth creation for many.
In this workshop, we will reflect on the archetypal image of Hermes/Mercury, a master of haste, communications, and occasional trickster. With the increase in communications and the striving toward an unrealized ideal, what perils lie ahead and what challenges can we see right now as we walk down our current path? How might we be fooling ourselves and creating unconsciousness within society as we develop our “advancements” in every field? How do we come to terms with the alienation, gentrification, and other forms of displacement that is created because of the prodigious pace of life and development that we now find ourselves in? And what strategies could we individually and collectively employ to bring about a fuller understanding of our technological choices, as AI approaches our everyday consciousness?
These and other questions will be the ideas explored — with space made for audience participation — by panelists brought together from Seattle's technology, academic, and Jungian circles:
• Candace Faber, a long-time civic technology advocate and expert, and former public servant in the U.S. State Department and City of Seattle. She majored in political science, Russian, and linguistics, and studied foreign policy and international security at the graduate level. Candace recently co-founded Hemma Seattle, a home cleaning service, thinking about our tensions with technology and caring for “interior spaces.'
• Justin Hamacher, a creative artist working 15+ years in the commercial technology/design space. Justin has taught a member of the core faculty in the Master of Human-Computer Interaction and Design program (MHCID) at the University of Washington, and is currently training as a psychoanalyst at the C. G. Jung Institute, Boston.
• Bette Joram, PhD (Clinical Psychology, Pacifica University), LMHC, a Jungian-oriented psychotherapist in private practice in Seattle. Currently Co-President of the C. G. Jung Society, Seattle, she has been involved with the organization since 1986, and served as President in 1989 & 1990. She has presented lectures and workshops for the Society on dreams, on her dissertation Experientia Testi Est: This is the Experience of the Witness, the Uroboros, the Alchemical Horse, and the history of Alchemy. She taught Introduction to Jungian Psychology at Antioch University for over ten years.
The panel will be moderated by Ryan Biava, PhD (Political Science, Wisconsin-Madison), Co-President of the C. G. Jung Society, Seattle, who has focused on the interaction between technological evolution, political ideology, and collective institutions and norms. He has held public policy positions at several levels of government, and has worked extensively on innovation and technology policy. He is also an Affiliate Assistant Professor at the Information School at the University of Washington
Please note that no Saturday workshop and no Continuing Education Units (CEUs) will accompany this event.
