Tomorrow's Troubles: Risk, Anxiety, and Prudence in an Age of Algorithmic Governance

Tomorrows Troubles is the first book to use virtue ethics to analyze the pressing issues of predictive technology from the perspective of Catholic theology. Paul Scherz argues that risk-based decision theory reorients our relationships to the future through knowledge of possible dangers and foregone opportunities, but encourages a desire for stability through own efforts instead of reliance on God. He also argues that predictive models do not address individual reason and free will, and that we can use our past experiences and the Christian tradition to focus on discerning Gods will in the present.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 254 pages
Publication date: 01 September 2022
Publisher: Georgetown University Press

Probabilistic predictions of future risk play a significant role in shaping society across various domains, including business and politics. Institutional structures employ various strategies to manage risk, such as regulating consumer and citizen behavior. New technologies utilize historical data to make predictions and influence future actions. The decision-making process becomes increasingly complex as individuals navigate between multiple possible future paths, each requiring careful calculation to achieve the optimal outcome.

In his groundbreaking book, "Tomorrows Troubles," Paul Scherz delves into these pressing issues by employing a virtue ethics framework to analyze risk and decision-making. Through a theological analysis of risk and practical reason, Scherz demonstrates how risk-based decision theory reorients our relationships to the future, enabling us to comprehend the potential dangers and foregone opportunities. He argues that this understanding fosters a deceptive hope for total security, as it encourages individuals to rely solely on their own efforts rather than seeking divine guidance.

Scherz further critiques the limitations of predictive models, highlighting their failure to address individual reason and free will. Instead of dwelling on a future that we cannot control, he proposes that we use our past experiences and the Christian tradition to discern Gods will in the present. By focusing on the present moment and aligning our actions with Gods intentions, we can find meaning and purpose in our lives, even in the face of uncertainty.

"Tomorrows Troubles" offers a thoughtful and comprehensive framework that empowers Christians to leverage the positive aspects of predictive technologies while recognizing the ultimate authority and sovereignty of God in our lives and futures. It encourages individuals to embrace technology as a tool for enhancing decision-making and promoting societal well-being, while simultaneously acknowledging the importance of seeking spiritual guidance and living according to Gods moral principles.

In conclusion, "Tomorrows Troubles" is a groundbreaking book that provides a valuable perspective on the intersection of predictive technology, virtue ethics, and Christian theology. By challenging our assumptions about risk and decision-making, Scherz offers a practical and spiritual approach to navigating the complexities of the modern world. This book will be of interest to Christians, policymakers, and anyone seeking to understand the ethical implications of emerging technologies and their impact on our lives.

Weight: 363g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781647122706