Why the Future Doesn’t Need Us
Why the Future Doesn’t Need Us
In the article why the future doesn’t need us, Bill Joy expresses his pessimism on the dangers of technologies that may be developed in the future. Joy believes that the direction that mankind has taken, in terms of technological advancement spells doom to mankind. Joy argues that technology advancement in the 20th century was under regulations due to the high cost, secrecy and complexity of these technologies. In the 21st century, however, continued technological advancement has seen man attempt to create machines with human characteristics such as consciousness.
Reason for Pessimism
First, Joy voices his concerns over the prospects of creating sentient robots. He states that sentient robots have always been creatures of science fiction hence a thought that they can be real is appalling. Joy expresses his concerns over man’s attempt to remake the world. Examples such as genetic engineering and nanotechnology are some of the scientific fields where man has made efforts to restructure the natural world. The ability of man to create human like forms that are more intelligent and can perform better than actual humans should be a cause for concern as they pose a threat to the existence of humanity (Joy, 2011). Joy points out that man should be cautious of genetic engineering and robotics due to the risk of the unknown. Joy points out that there is a risk that products created using these technologies can self replicate.
The risk with self replication is that the products of these technologies can become uncontrollable and put the existence of man at risk. Joy points out “…the fate of the mankind would be at the mercy of machines” (Joy, 2011; 286). Joy points out that there is an understated risk of human extinction. Joy acknowledges that the human race cannot transfer their power to the machines. However, with robotic technology man risks drifting towards such a scenario where he will be entirely dependent on machines. Joy’s main plea to mankind is thus to limit engagement with these technologies or alternatively, halt such unnatural scientific procedure once and for all.
Joy voices his pessimism by highlighting existing technologies such as nuclear, biological and chemical technologies and how some scientific inventions have almost turned disastrous to the human race. Joy points out that man managed to create “weapons of mass destruction that were powerful and posed and enormous threat” (Joy, 2011; 289). The author points out how suspicions over the manufacture of weapons of mass destruction almost led to the emergence of the 3rd world war. Joy thus points out that if nuclear, biological and chemical weapons threatened the existence of man, technologies such as robots will be worse. Joy’s pessimist opinions appear subjective. Throughout the article, he demonstrates his certainty that just like previous technologies; robotic technology will also go wrong. Joy does not acknowledge that history with technology has proven to be the ardent teacher of man as he has established strategies to prevent catastrophes. The same way that nuclear, chemical and biological technologies that threatened mankind were controlled, will the robotic technology be controlled too.
Joy acknowledges that technological advancement such as nanotechnology and genetic engineering are indicators that man can progress beyond what society considers the norm. However, he points out that just like any other scientific discoveries the aspect of ethical consideration cannot be ignored. Joy is, however, optimistic that if scientists reviewed the risk that existing technologies had to the existence of mankind, then they will also strive to enact restrictions and regulations over the use of robotic technology. Joy is optimistic that a review of the dangers of creating a robotic race will guarantee that man regulates his efforts in this field (Joy, 2011). The risk that man the robot race can develop to the level that they possess a mind of their own is unfathomable. This is because it will mean that man will have to compete with the robots. Joy points out the fact that in a battle for supremacy biological creatures have a tendency to lose over technology. In the battle against the human and robot race, it is mankind that will lose.
Opinion
Reading through bill joy’s article, one cannot ignore the imminent danger that Joy attempts to bring to the attention of readers. Technological discoveries such as nuclear weapons have so far proven to be catastrophic if not well regulated. Creating a robot race with consciousness is a path that man should not undertake. Nobody knows what will happen after the creation of human like robots. The danger of the unknown cannot be ignored as the machines created by man can easily turn out to the basis of the extinction of man. Joy intelligently uses the element of fear to put to doubt upcoming technologies. The author paints a doomsday scenario with the intention of making man reconsider his attempts at creating human like robots. I realize that just like any other invention, there could be risks. However, Joy’s article is too pessimistic and highlights only the perils that technology may have on the existence of mankind. Man has learnt from past experiences. Robotic technology can be a reality, and with proper regulation and policies, it can be controlled and only used where necessary.
Reference
Bill Joy in why his future doesn’t need us: Winston, M. & Edelbach, R. (2011) social ethics and technology. Cengage Learning
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