Choi Byung-kwan, head of the Science Industry Strategy Division at the Daejeon Science & Technology Promotion Agency, has published "The Future of Homo Promptus," a book exploring how humans live their lives in the age of artificial intelligence.
The author argues that in the AI era, the contest is no longer between humans and AI, but between those who can harness AI and those who cannot. Noting that the majority of people now engage with prompts, he explains that humanity has evolved from "Homo Technologicus" to "Homo Promptus."
"The Future of Homo Promptus" presents ways to augment one's capabilities without becoming subordinate to AI. The author cautiously emphasizes the importance of the humanities, traditionally referred to in Korea as "munsacheol," encompassing literature, history, and philosophy.
The book defines the present as the "era of Homo Promptus" and reveals the reality of human alienation that lies beneath the changing ways of life. It also stresses that such transformations can become new opportunities rather than catastrophes, arguing that the capabilities needed to lead the future depend on human uniqueness.
The author observed that even AI companies such as Google DeepMind and Anthropic have recognized that some problems cannot be solved through technology alone, as evidenced by their hiring of philosophers.
"To avoid surrendering humanity's future to the AI era, the power to understand the concerns and culture humanity has accumulated is crucial," the author said. "Humanistic thinking is what provides direction to powerful technology, and I hope we can live truly human lives even in an uncertain future."
"The Future of Homo Promptus" consists of five chapters. Chapter 1 addresses the era of Homo Promptus, Chapters 2 and 3 examine the present of Homo Promptus, and Chapters 4 and 5 look ahead to the future of Homo Promptus.
The author previously worked at the Institute of Information & Communications Technology Planning & Evaluation (IITP) and the Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources. He currently serves as head of the Science Industry Strategy Division at the Daejeon Science & Technology Promotion Agency, where he has established various AI policies. He oversaw the development of Daejeon City's comprehensive AI plan, participated in the creation of the AI Valley in the Daedeok Innopolis, and serves as a member of the Daejeon Regional AI/AX Council.
