Bill Joy describes of 21st century technologies—genetic engineering, nanotechnology and robotics, (GNR)—will extinguish human beings as we now know it, Mr. Joy found this notion extremely disturbing. These technologies have untold promises of making our world a better place to live, however, the technology maybe also be an uncontrolled element that has already been introduced to us. In other words the genie in the bottle has already been set free.
Mr. Joy says “robotics, genetic engineering, and nanotechnology - pose a different threat than the technologies that have come before. Specifically, robots, engineered organisms, and nanobots share a dangerous amplifying factor: They can self-replicate. A bomb is blown up only once - but one bot can become many, and quickly get out of control.”
I personally believe that we humans have a more complex form of consciousness and as a result we have evolved into what we are today. Nevertheless, I suppose the fears of Mr. Joy are somewhat justified but I really don’t buy in the doom and gloom theory. I understand that in some respects technology has and is the dominant force in our daily lives – I’m still confident that we as humans are still in control…a least for now.
We have marveled at our technological advances for the last century and wondered of the future possibilities to human kind. In our continued search of new technology there are definitely dangers unseen and mistakes will happen. Regardless, technology will continue at exponential rate that we have ever seen in our history of the world. Yes, we need have learned much from our past successes and failures, but its lessons are not necessarily the ones Mr. Joy suggests. Insomuch, I’ve become to believe that if are winning more than losing – we are on the right track of technological progression.
It is true that we as humans are in control for now over technology. I think more than anything, Joy's writing helped me realize that the time may not be too far away where our technology may leave the grasp of our control. Moreover, I am concerned by what humanity will do with GNR technologies while they remain in control of humans. History has shown that we have a tendency to be rather destructive, and this is a bit scary in my opinion.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Richard. Its not really the artificial intelligence part that scares me, its that the evil that already exists getting just as smart and just as advanced as we are. Here i am worried about nuke bombs when really, its the things to come that aren't able to be controlled that i should really be worry about.
ReplyDeleteon the other hand i remember when i was in the 2nd grade (1984 i think) there was this high tec comapany and gave ou class a great presentation about how there will be flying cars by year 2000. well that hasnt came to pass either..... so i guess ulitmately we wont know until it happens.