• Archaeology
  • Biology
  • Culture
  • Language
  • Columns
  • Podcast
  • Teaching
  • About Us
  • Follow

Sapiens

Anthropology Magazine

  • Archaeology
  • Biology
  • Culture
  • Language
The Age of Digital Divination
  • search

Matthew Gwynfryn Thomas

Matthew Gwynfryn Thomas photo

Matthew Gwynfryn Thomas is an anthropologist working in the nonprofit sector in London. His current work combines data science, social science, and futures studies to address the needs of people in crisis. Matthew’s Ph.D. and postdoctoral research was about the evolution of cooperation in marginalized communities. He has also written popular science articles for a variety of outlets, including BioNews, SciDev.Net, and the Wellcome Trust Blog. Follow him on Twitter @matthewgthomas.

  • Phenomenon

    An oil painting shows a group of people sitting near a fire looking at a rooster on the floor of a cabin.

    The Age of Digital Divination

    An anthropologist asks what algorithms and astrology have in common in a digital era of predictive technologies.

  • Machinations

    theory of mind - Like other alpha males in chimpanzee troops, Pimu, in Tanzania, has to be vigilant to keep his position.

    Can a Robot Guess What You’re Thinking?

    Scientists are trying to create artificial intelligence that can think about others’ thoughts. What might this reveal about perspective-taking in AI, humans, and animals?

  • Machinations

    This elaborately carved canoe prow-board from the Trobriand Islands is meant to dazzle and intimidate viewers.

    Is Artificial Intelligence Magic?

    What does the anthropology of magic reveal about how people create and use AI?

  • Machinations

    Cyborgs of the popular imagination have taken a variety of forms.

    Your Body as Part Machine

    Humans can operate prosthetic limbs with their minds. What will happen if we become increasingly knitted with technology in the future?

  • Machinations

    New technologies bring a sense of touch to paralysis patients through the use of a mind-controlled robotic arm.

    Your Body as a Map

    Adornments such as tattoos, piercings, and lip plates help to define our social identities. But what those modifications mean is in constant flux.

  • Machinations

    Artificial intelligence culture - Individual chimpanzee communities are known to have unique behaviors shaped by social learning.

    The Age of Cultured Machines

    Researchers have built a robot that can transfer its skills to other robots. Could this advance pave the way for a robot form of culture?

Posts navigation

1 2 Next

Footer

Sapiens About Sapiens

An editorially independent magazine of the Wenner‑Gren Foundation for Anthropological Research
Published in partnership with the University of Chicago Press

  • About Us
  • Our Staff
  • Write for Us
  • Teaching
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact
back to top