Megan Flinders
Module 12
In the article, “Why the future doesn’t need us”, author
Bill Joy discusses many of the aspects of human dependency on computers and
machines. He speaks to the fact that
there is a potential for humans to become so consumed with machines making
decisions in place of the normal person, that ultimately humans could be
replaced by the machines or the “elitists” who control them. Joy also touches on the topic of GNR, or that
of genetics, nanotechnology, and robotics.
His thesis is describing his fears of these three components which
relate back to the title of the article.
Does the future really need us, or is our increasing dependency on
machines and robots decreasing the need for our existence?
The first point Joy makes about GNR is the fact that
these three forces are so powerful that they can cause chain reactions of
consequences. Furthermore, due to
increased connectivity and availability, they are at the fingertips of small
groups and individuals (unlike weapons of mass destruction which do not reach
the common person). The possibility of
knowledge-enabled mass destruction is real, and is becoming ever more prevalent
in our day-in-age.
Joy recounts his 20-year career in the field of computer
technology and admits that while he has been an integral part in creating many programs
and software essential to the industry, he never felt as though he was creating
an intelligent machine. However, he
fears that the rate of continuous improvement will continue until about the
year 2030 when our computers and technology will be nearly a million times more
efficient than those with which we currently operate. If this is to be the case, will there be such
a need for our species and existence? He
feels very uncomfortable about the fact that he could be working on the type of
machine that causes the extinction of mankind.
He even offers the thought that we should be thinking about how to
coexist with such efficient machines and what precautions we should be
undertaking.
Joy continues to take this further when speaking of
robotics and intelligent machines that can self-replicate. He quotes Darwin in saying that in evolution
there are humans, nature and machines.
Nature, however, is possibly on the side of the machines. Will we seek to incorporate robotic
characteristics in ourselves to prolong life, improve the quality of life and
be restored to our version of Eden?
Lastly, Joy touches on the point of genetic engineering
and the fact that this process is already far along. Our food supply is greatly impacted by
genetic mutation, and this field will continue to be showcased in the future. If this along with the other components of
GNR go unchecked, we will indeed run into issues as a human race.
In contemplating the views and thoughts from the article,
it is hard to discount the validity and possibility of the outcomes
hypothesized. We have seen through the
example of the atomic bomb and nuclear weapons, that we are capable of
destroying mankind in the blink of an eye.
Therefore, it is vital to have sensible people in control and the
necessary checks and balances in play in order to contain the potential
destructive behavior. In this degree, I
believe Joy’s thoughts are justified.
Nevertheless, I believe that the inspiration of natural
thought comes from Deity. There is a
given time and place for the creation of invention and the process of
innovation. We are on a designed course
as a mortal species that goes beyond the creation of intelligent robotic
species. This may well be a part of our
future, but nothing we should fear or try to prevent. We should, however, seek to understand the
risks, be active in our involvement of placing the checks and balances, and
hold those responsible who oversee the management of these resources. The creation and inventions of technology has
overwhelmingly been a positive part of human progression. With most things, there are those who seek to
manipulate for personal gain and power, but I feel as though the good and noble
will reign supreme.
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