Introduction

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Fujiwara: What changes will we see when quantum computers are implemented in society? Today, we will discuss the relationship between quantum technology and society from a cultural anthropological perspective, examining the impact of new technologies on human society. 

 

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Quantum computing and cultural anthropology

 

Nakamura: Anthropology is a deeply comprehensive discipline that encompasses everything related to humanity. A few years ago, I founded Atelier Anthropology LLC., a design firm with anthropology at its core. In short, our mission is to make the world more elegant through anthropology. 

　　New technologies, including quantum computing, develop rapidly in a cumulative manner, often outpacing the human ability to keep up and stirring a variety of mixed emotions. How do individuals react in such moments? How do societies and cultural areas react? Today we will be discussing the latter.

　　Against the Grain: A Deep History of the Earliest States by James C. Scott summarizes this in simple terms, radically questioning how the development of agricultural technology led to the emergence of states, the domestication of humans, and even environmental destruction. 

　　In Akinori Kubo’s Kikai Cannibalism (Machine Cannibalism), the author argues that humans have transformed into new beings, or “smartphone humans,” with the rise of smartphones. He describes such transformation brought about by new technology through the concept of Becoming=transformational change. 

 　　The third point comes from a discussion between Asa Ito and Akihiro Kubota, where they draw an analogy between the evolution of livestock farming technology and AI. Perhaps using pets as an example is easier to understand—having pets inevitably shifts your lifestyle to one that revolves around them, and over time, there comes a point when the roles of the owner and pet begin to reverse. 

Through these three perspectives, we can reveal key aspects of technological evolution. The first being how the birth of new technologies unintentionally led to the formation of collectives such as nations and hierarchies, gradually becoming ingrained in society. Additionally, technologies that were seen as tools became integrated with humans gradually, creating a unified entity. Furthermore, when new technology is reconsidered through the language of the owner and pet, it becomes clear that a dynamic of mutual dependence, despite autonomy, is being established. These three aspects will be the focus of the discussion. 

 

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Future society of art and quantum technology

 

Fujiwara: For this discussion, art is defined as something where an individual develops their own theme and values its expression. We will then consider a future society with art and quantum technology in three parts. The first is Art Chronicle, which divides history into ancient-medieval, medieval-modern, and modern-contemporary. As I mentioned earlier art respects and values individual activities, it also involves motivation, which is well-fitted to the concept of journey. Categorizing those who set out on a journey across these time periods reveals commonalities. Both the great migration (i.e. journey) of humanity and art share the trait of tension and liberation, with three underlying motivations—compelled by necessity, acting voluntarily, and welfare and love. The message of Art Anatomy is that the unique aspect of art lies in the creative leap that comes from the individual’s genuine desire for expression, with society also placing expectations on it. Art Commons refers to the concept of managing art as a shared resource that drives society forward. If quantum technology is considered a technology that only humans can create, then when art enters the realm of expression and meaning, art can also be regarded as a shared resource for humanity—a commons. 

 

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The role of art in science and technology

 

Nakamura: When science and technology are implemented in society, they have the potential to drastically change society. What do you think the possibilities and roles of art might be when such advancements progress at a rapid pace? 

 

Fujiwara: I think that the role of art remains the same regardless of the increasing speed. Artists constantly observe themselves and their artwork as objects. The timeline is slightly set back in that moment. Art inherently has a conservative aspect of always returning to the past, and the work is later appraised by society as a whole. This indicates that what is expressed eventually conveys its meaning to people in time. 

 

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Technological advancement and social regulations

 

Fujiwara: When innovative technologies like quantum computing spread widely, how does cultural anthropology view the process from invention to societal implementation? 

 

Nakamura: There are regressive and degenerative aspects, such as social and personal issues that come from new technologies, but history has shown us that even when there were attempts to fully ban such technologies, it was impossible. Automobiles stand as a prime example of this. Car accidents increased, then seatbelts were implemented, and it took decades of control before they became mandatory. This illustrates that regulation is always necessary, as demonstrated through human history. 

　　The same applies to quantum computers. In such cases, by discussing from the perspectives of cultural anthropology and art, I believe it has become easier these days to create regulations that anticipate the direction and risks of utilizing new technologies. We are entering an era where we can take smarter steps that are different from humanity in the first half of the 20th century. Whether we can actually become smarter is another story, but at least we have the potential to do so and hope to be that way.