Frankenstein Fallacy

Frankenstein Fallacy (dfn): Term coined by author and academic Yuval Noah Harari, the Frankenstein Fallacy is a cognitive bias or a predicting error that occurs when considering new technologies and their affect on society.

In Mary Shelley‘s 19th century novel, Victor Frankenstein creates a new kind of life and is punished for this presumed act of hubris, falling victim to the very thing he created. Cultural examples of the Frankenstein Fallacy appear prior to the modern era as well, in ancient myths like the Tower of Babel, Adam and Eve, the legend of Atlantis, and the Flight of Icarus. 

The Frankenstein Fallacy is often employed in popular culture to explain the origin of dystopias. Battlestar Galactica, the updated series from the early Aughts in particular, explored many consequences of technological progress. The Terminator films used the Frankenstein Fallacy to great and gaudy effect. One critique of the film Ex Machina employed aspects of the Frankenstein Fallacy to point out the act of psychological projection that takes place when two men encounter an entirely novel form of AI consciousness, embodied by an android with a female visage.

New technology and knowledge undeniably come at a societal cost. The Frankenstein Fallacy, however, emphasizes the retributive aspect of this interaction, suggesting the comeuppance for technological progress should be the end of human life itself. The tendency consequently disregards further technological progress as a means to overcoming essential challenges that humanity faces, and artificially limits the extent to which technology could and should be utilized to address these challenges.

The interpretive prism of the Frankenstein Fallacy has played a part in public fears related to CRISPR, COVID-19 vaccination programs and continues to inform the perspectives of thought leaders like Elon Musk and the late Stephen Hawking, who both spoke provocatively about their apprehension towards AI.

Astrological Monograph: Jupiter in Pisces (2021-22)

Jupiter’s ingress to Pisces on May 13 marked the beginning of a planetary transit that will be consequential for the next 18 months.

Engaging with the imaginal energy of Jupiter as it travels through Pisces - the sign of its Dignity - is a profound experience. The occasion offers unique opportunities for numinous encounters, through dreams, visions and reflections, but also during day-to-day social interactions. All kinds of creative and charitable activities are favoured.

Jupiter’s affect on less advantageous world transits during this period is one of active mitigation, since this benefic placement is thought to ease tension and promote magnanimity. “It is the thunderbolt that steers the course of all things,” said the pre-Socratic philosopher Heraclitus, and Jupiter - in his earlier Hellenized incarnation Zeus - was the god who wielded the thunderbolt. 

The influence of peace-loving Pisces, meanwhile, will ensure that Jupiter doesn’t apply power to overwhelm or suppress, but rather to integrate and reconcile.

As with any placement where a Piscean or Neptunian influence is present, there is the possibility of delusion and self-destructive behaviour. Jupiter‘s influence may worsen this condition by over-indulging the natal subject's desires; however, it’s just as likely that it will act to clarify and discern genuine vision from baser intuitions and habitual behaviours. 

Consider that Jupiter is called ‘Guru’ by Vedic astrologers, and through such traditions we understand how the planet’s wise and instructive influence bestows a sort of mastery over aspects of physical and psychic existence.

Planets in the mutable quadruplicity - Pisces, Gemini, Virgo and Sagittarius - are particularly susceptible to Jovian influence at this time, as is the environment of any house where Jupiter is deposited and/or the cusp of Pisces appears. 

Jupiter transits in Pisces until July 28, 2021, when it retrogrades back into Aquarius. The planet re-enters Pisces in late 2021 and remains there until May 2022, when it charges forward into Aries.

Jupiter returns to Pisces a third time in the fall of 2022 and completes its final transit of the sign by the winter solstice of that year.