Before and After ChatGPT: Using AI Without Losing Ourselves w/ Sheldon Fernandez, Former CEO @ DarwinAI

Before ChatGPT, Sheldon Fernandez knew what it was to wrestle with a sentence until it worked. As an AI ethics speaker, former AI CEO, and theologian, he’s seen what’s gained, and what’s lost, when the work of critical thinking is just a click away.

Now, as his children grow up in a world where AI can answer every question and affirm every feeling, he’s asking what that means for how we learn, relate, and make decisions. Sheldon brings a rare mix of technical expertise and philosophical insight to questions at the heart of AI and humanity.

In this episode, Daniel and Sheldon talk about the pace of AI’s progress, why the temptation to outsource thinking is so strong, and how to keep hold of what is uniquely human in a time when that’s harder to define. They explore AI’s role in education, decision-making, and the skills we need to thrive in an AI-powered world.

🔑 What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• ✅ How growing up before AI changes the way you use it
• ✅ Why constant validation from AI can get in the way of honest feedback
• ✅ How AI "shifts" where we do our critical thinking
• ✅ The risks of replacing human relationships with AI conversations
• ✅ How theology and technology meet in questions of consciousness and the sacred

🔗 Resources & Links

• 🤝 Connect with Sheldon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheldonfernandez/
• 📽️ Watch Sheldon's talk on The Theological Implications of Artificial Intelligence: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wDPcnnltmf8
• 📩 Subscribe to the Artificial Insights newsletter for summaries and takeaways: https://manary.haus/podcast/#haus
• 👉 Have a guest in mind? Reach out to Daniel at daniel@manary.haus

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