Predictions are not just forecasts; they are calculated attempts to seize power.
In short: Philosopher Carissa Véliz explains why we should be wary of those claiming to know the future. From ancient Roman bans on prophets to modern AI, predictions often function as self-fulfilling prophecies rather than objective knowledge.
Carissa Véliz argues that our tendency to view predictions as neutral information is a mistake. Instead, she suggests that when someone insists a specific outcome is inevitable, they are actively shaping the future to suit their own interests. This dynamic links ancient narratives like the story of Oedipus to the contemporary reality of insurance premiums.
The talk, recorded on April 14, 2026, highlights how algorithms now exert this power by making quiet, automated decisions about our lives. Véliz warns that these predictive tools are not merely describing what will happen, but are effectively selling a version of the future that benefits the predictor.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Beware the Power of Prediction | Carissa Véliz | TED
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