## Understanding Antikythera: A Comprehensive Guide to a Novel Philosophy of Computation### IntroductionAntikythera is an ongoing research program that proposes a novel perspective on computation, one that considers its profound implications for understanding the human condition, intelligence, and the very future of life on Earth. By examining computation's connections to the planet and its impact on human thought, Antikythera seeks to formulate a speculative philosophy that addresses the intricate relationship between technology, philosophy, and the ever-evolving landscape of planetary intelligence.### The Essence of Computational TechnologyTraditionally, computation has been understood through its mathematical roots and the deductive analysis it enables. However, Antikythera posits that computational processes are not merely detached operations but instead reflect the cognition of intelligence itself, whether inherent in biological organisms or embedded within technological systems. This expansive view encompasses the notion that computation is a property of nature, not an invention of humanity, further underscoring the inherent interconnectedness of computation, intelligence, and life itself.### Planetary Computation's Dual SignificanceAntikythera assigns profound significance to the concept of planetary computation, a term that encompasses both the emergence of computational infrastructure at a global level and the consequential disclosure of planetary systems as the focus of empirical investigations. Through this dual lens, Antikythera unveils the fundamental role that computation plays in illuminating the conditions that make human thought and existence possible.### The Artificialization of IntelligenceComputation, as Antikythera envisions it, is not merely a tool for problem-solving but an essential component in the artificialization of intelligence. Much like natural intelligence evolved through incremental adaptations over millennia, artificial intelligence emerges through deliberate conceptual design and assembly, even if the process itself might occur inadvertently. This recognition opens the door to exploring the profound implications of increasingly intelligent synthetic systems and their potential impact on the future of life on Earth.### Computation, the Planetary, and the HumanComputation, through initiatives such as planetary scale modeling, has transformed our understanding of the Anthropocene. The process of computational perception, coupled with the modeling and visualization of planetary phenomena, has fundamentally shifted how humanity perceives its place within the cosmos. By expanding our ability to perceive and analyze, computation compels us to re-evaluate our position in relation to both the natural world and the increasingly intelligent systems we create.### The Epistemological Significance of SimulationsComputational simulations are not merely instructive tools but also profound epistemological technologies that provide access to otherwise inaccessible aspects of reality. Scientific simulations, for example, allow us to glimpse the infinitesimally small within the quantum realm or the vastness of cosmic events, challenging our assumptions about the limitations of our senses and expanding our understanding of the universe.### The Politics of Simulation and the Shaping of RealityThe role of simulations extends beyond the realm of scientific inquiry into the political arena. Predictive modeling in areas such as climate science enables decision-makers to anticipate potential future scenarios and formulate policies to mitigate or harness them. In this sense, simulations play an active role in shaping the decisions that guide human societies, underscoring the transformative power of computational technologies in both the virtual and the real world.### Hemispherical Stacks and the Evolving Geopolitical LandscapeThe emergence of planetary computation has led to the fragmentation of the internet into distinct regional systems, a development referred to as the Hemispherical Stack. This geopolitical phenomenon reflects the increasing influence of national and regional interests in shaping the architecture, accessibility, and governance of computational infrastructure, further complicating the already complex dynamics of international relations.### Planetary Sapience: Intelligence at the CrossroadsThe convergence ofplanetary computation and the artificialization of intelligence raises fundamental questions about the nature ofsapience, the capacity for complex judgment and governance. Antikythera suggests that the concept of planetary sapience might require a paradigm shift, moving away from anthropocentric perspectives and embracing a more inclusive understanding that encompasses the interconnectedness of biological intelligence, computational technologies, and the planetary conditions that nurture them.### Conclusion: Towards a New Epistemological FoundationAntikythera's innovative approach to the philosophy of computation challenges established paradigms and sets the stage for a deeper examination of the role that computation plays in shaping our understanding of the world, our place within it, and the future of life on Earth. By integrating insights from diverse fields ranging from philosophy to engineering, Antikythera aims to generate a coherent body of foundational knowledge that will continue to inspire and provoke thought at the intersection of technology, society, and the human condition.