De Natura Verae Fidei :

On the Nature of True Belief

Marvel

noun. /ˈmɑːvl/ /ˈmɑːrvl/ ​a wonderful and surprising person or thing synonyms: wonder, a miracle.

Technology is a pervasive part of our daily lives, from the phones we use to the clothes we wear and the food we eat. But what drives progress and innovation in technology? One possible answer is the pursuit of the "Marvelous" through "True Belief."

In Plato's dialogue "Meno," "true belief" is defined as a type of knowledge that is not yet fully understood or justified but is still believed to be true. This concept can be applied to the development of technology, as technological progress often involves a combination of trial and error, experimentation, and a willingness to embrace new ideas and approaches.

True belief in technology can therefore be seen as a driving force behind progress, as it encourages individuals and organizations to seek out and embrace new ideas and approaches, even if they are not yet fully understood or justified. This willingness to take risks and embrace the unknown can lead to the development of new and innovative technologies that have the potential to transform and improve our lives.

However, it's important to note that true belief can also be problematic if it leads to the adoption of beliefs or practices that are not based on evidence or are harmful to society. Therefore, it's important to carefully consider the nature of true belief and how it shapes our understanding and use of technology.

In the tech industry, it's important for software development teams to have knowledge and experience about their projects, as well as a willingness to embrace new and innovative approaches to problem-solving. This can lead to the creation of "Developmental Marvels," or technologies that have the potential to transform and improve our lives. However, it's also important to consider the ethical and moral implications of these technologies, as well as their potential impact on society.

But how do these "architects of the future" understand what is possible and what is just a pipe dream? One possible answer is that they have taught computers to dream. In the 1968 novel "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?" by Philip K. Dick, the question of whether androids (synthetic humans) can dream is explored. And in 1963, Roy Thomas wrote that "even an Android can Weep." These references highlight the idea that computational systems can be capable of complex thought and emotion, even if they are not yet fully understood or justified.

Developmental Marvels, or technologies produced by companies sometimes referred to as "Unicorns" in the tech industry, are not only possible but also novel. However, their occurrence itself gives their miraculous nature a half-life. The repetition of a Marvel makes it no longer miraculous and instead natural, or on its way to becoming a natural, charted, observed phenomenon, force, or regularly used medium. This means that all things that exist or have the potential to exist are natural, and all new or marvelous things are at the very least preternatural.

This postmodern conception of reality or the potentiality of reality could be read as nihilistic and could be allowed to run rampant without guiding moral or ethical principles to model or project upon these Marvels.

Examples of such Marvels include Artificial Intelligence, Virtual Reality, and Social Media. These technologies, as well as others like Cryptocurrency, Space Travel, Robotics, and Automation, were not always as easily accessible, understandable, or achievable as they are today. So how did some engineers gain enough of a glimpse into the future to start realizing these Marvels?

One possible answer is that they believed in the potential of these technologies and were willing to embrace new and innovative approaches to problem-solving, even if they were not yet fully understood or justified. This willingness to take risks and embrace the unknown can lead to the development of new and innovative technologies that have the potential to transform and improve our lives.

An Artist might use true belief to create a new form of interactive art that utilizes sensory technology, such as haptic feedback or olfactory inputs. This artist might not fully understand all the technical details of sensory technology, but they believe in its potential to create a truly immersive and engaging art experience. By embracing the unknown and experimenting with new ideas and approaches, this artist is able to push the boundaries of interactive art and realize a technological marvel.

A Teacher might use true belief to create a new educational platform that utilizes gamification and adaptive learning to personalize the learning experience for each student. This teacher might not fully understand all the technical details of these approaches, but they believe in their potential to enhance the learning experience for students. With a willingness to take risks and embrace the unknown, this teacher is able to create a revolutionary educational platform that utilizes gamification and adaptive learning.

A DevOps Engineer might use true belief to create a new social media platform that utilizes a microservices architecture and continuous delivery pipelines to ensure scalability and reliability. This engineer might not fully understand all the technical details of these approaches, but they believe in their potential to create a more robust and efficient platform. Through their determination to explore new ideas and approaches, this DevOps engineer is able to create a social media platform that leverages microservices architecture and continuous delivery pipelines.

However, it's important to remember that true belief can also be problematic if it leads to the adoption of beliefs or practices that are not based on evidence or are harmful to society. Therefore, it's important to carefully consider the nature of true belief and how it shapes our understanding and use of technology.

The concept of potentiality and novelty is closely related to the idea of "true belief" in technology. Potentiality refers to the possibility or likelihood of something occurring or being achieved in the future, while novelty refers to the newness or originality of something. In the context of technology, "true belief" often involves a belief in the potential of new ideas and approaches, as well as a willingness to embrace novelty in order to achieve progress.

For example, DevOps engineers are often focused on continually improving and developing technology, and their belief in the potential for continual improvement and development can be a guiding factor in their work. This "true belief" allows them to tackle questions and disrupt paradigms that may not be immediately understood or accepted by society, culture, or individual knowledge. In this way, "true belief" can be seen as a strange attractor that drives the growth of technology and allows it to influence and shape our thoughts and actions.

Cryptocurrency and non-fungible tokens (NFTs) are also examples of technological innovations that have been driven by "true belief" in their potential. Both of these technologies involve the use of blockchain technology, which allows for secure, decentralized transactions and the creation of unique, verifiable digital assets. The development and adoption of these technologies have been driven by a belief in their potential to revolutionize how we store and exchange value, as well as how we create and consume digital art and other creative works.

Finally, social media platforms are another example of technology that has been shaped by "true belief" in its potential. These platforms create a gamiified environment that allows sociological concepts to be treated as fundamental as the laws of physics, and they allow users to actively curate their own experiences and relationships. The Thomas theorem, which states that if people identify a situation as real, then it is real in its outcomes, is a key concept in understanding the role of social media in shaping our experiences and relationships. The theorem suggests that the action or response to a situation is determined by how it is perceived or identified, and this is especially relevant in the context of social media, where likes, followers, and relationship statuses can hold significant weight and influence.

Cryptocurrency, as a form of technology, is also driven by "true belief" in its potential, but it is worth noting that it is also a belief system in and of itself. The value of cryptocurrency is determined by supply and demand, and it is only through the belief in its value that it becomes valuable. This is similar to the way that social media platforms create value through the belief and identification of certain concepts and actions. In this way, "true belief" in technology can have a powerful and far-reaching influence on our experiences, relationships, and values.

As creative professionals in the tech field, it's important to be aware of the role that true belief plays in shaping technology and to consider the ethical and moral implications of the technologies we develop. By embracing new and innovative approaches to problem-solving and being mindful of the impact our work has on society, we can contribute to the progress and advancement of technology in a responsible and meaningful way.

Plato's allegory of the cave highlights the idea that our perceptions and beliefs are shaped by our experiences and surroundings, and this is especially relevant when it comes to technology. As creative professionals in the tech field, it is important to recognize the role that "true belief" plays in shaping our understanding and use of technology. By embracing the unknown and being willing to experiment with new ideas, we can continue to push the boundaries of what is possible and drive technological progress. However, it is also crucial to be mindful of the potential consequences of our beliefs and to consider the ethical and moral implications of the technologies we develop. Ultimately, "true belief" is a multifaceted concept that requires careful consideration and balance in order to achieve the Marvelous.

In conclusion, "true belief" is a powerful driving force in technological progress, as it encourages individuals and organizations to embrace new ideas and approaches, even if they are not yet fully understood or justified. However, it is important to carefully consider the nature of "true belief" and its potential impact on society, as it can also lead to problematic beliefs or practices that are not based on evidence or are harmful. When that is not the case, the results are nothing short of Miraculous.