Why predictions are often tools for power rather than windows into the future
From ancient Roman bans on prophets to modern AI algorithms, the act of predicting outcomes is rarely about foresight. This talk explores how predictions function as self-fulfilling prophecies that shape our lives and influence everything from insurance premiums to political control.
Philosopher and TED Fellow Carissa Véliz examines the hidden mechanics behind predictive technologies. She argues that while we often view predictions as expressions of knowledge, they are frequently attempts to exert influence. By framing a specific outcome as inevitable, those in control can effectively manufacture the future they wish to see.
The video connects disparate historical and modern examples, such as the way Roman emperors once prohibited prophets and how contemporary AI algorithms now quietly dictate personal decisions. Véliz suggests that understanding this distinction is vital: when someone presents a specific future as certain, they may be attempting to sell a predetermined reality rather than describing an unavoidable destiny.
Source: Carissa Véliz: Beware the power of prediction
