Back to the Future: Notes on an Alien Earth Artwork

The Outside Context

"An Outside Context Problem was the sort of thing most civilizations encountered just once, and which they tended to encounter rather in the same way a sentence encountered a full stop." — Iain M. Banks, Excession. This podcast discusses challenges that fall into the outside context with the innovators and visionaries who are the forefront of technological change. It considers the big picture of technology, and why this matters for the future of human civilisation.

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The Outside Context

Back to the Future: Notes on an Alien Earth

October 30, 2025 • Season 1 • Episode 13

In episode 13 of The Outside Context, Elise and Jannah reflect on their year of podcasting, discussing their experiences and the themes explored in previous episodes. They discuss the TV series 'Alien: Earth', examining it as a social commentary on technology, power and societal structures. The conversation then shifts to the implications of technological advancements, the ethical considerations surrounding them and the potential for inequality. They conclude by identifying AI as a significant ‘outside context’ problem facing civilisation today, while emphasising the importance of critical engagement with technology and its impact on society.

Key Takeaways:

In this episode the podcast celebrates a year of exploration and learning about new technologies and civilisation! Jannah & Elise also explore how:

'Alien Earth' serves as a lens to discuss societal issues.
Technology can empower but also control individuals.
The commodification of life raises ethical concerns.
Education must adapt to prepare future generations for tech-driven jobs.
Misinformation is a significant challenge in today's society.
AI poses both opportunities and risks for the future.
Sustainability and social equity must align with technological progress.
Critical thinking is essential in an information-rich world; and
Engagement with diverse perspectives enriches the conversation.

Chapters:

00:00 - Welcome Back and Reflections on the Past Year
01:42 - Exploring 'Alien: Earth' and its key themes
12:19 - Technology, Power, and Control
18:28 - Who Benefits from Technological Advancements?
27:18 - Future Visions and Ethical Considerations
43:54 - Identifying the Biggest Outside Context Problem

Connect with Us:

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Follow Elise Soucie Watts and Jannah Patchay for more insights into the future of technology, civilisation & digital finance

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