Module 12

Brandi Barnett
IST 1100
4/6/13

This week we are supposed to read “Why The Future Needs Us” by Bill Joy and explain what GNR is and what the author fears about the. The three components to GNR are: genetic engineering, nanotechnology, robotics. The author describes how each of them will destroy man kind as we know it.

       Genetic engineering is to create a ton of crop yields while minimizing the use of pesticides to make thousands of special species of bacteria, animals, etc. and possibly help with cloning. Like with anything else genetic engineering has major side effects that Joy fears is a problem since it can be deadly his other fear is that it will create power for a white plague.

       Nanotechnology is the manipulation of matter on an atomic and molecular scale to create a utopian future of abundance. Which, would solve any disease or physical problem imaginable. Joy has issues with this particular subject because is it ethically right to do such a thing? Not only that he also fears what it can become of such great technology improvement. It can lead to a massive destruction if put into the wrong hands since it can grow back cells.

     Robotics that someone can create robots that could be really intelligent than the human race itself. What comes with a highly intelligent robot comes fear. We thrive on knowledge whether we like it or not and that could lead to humans discovering new things like building a robot which come on it is pretty cool, but it is a concern since these highly effective robots could possibly take over the human population with their really intelligent ways.

     Bill Joy is not wrong when voicing his concerns over GNR, because the greatest fear is the fear of oneself and those of others. GNR are ultimately weapons that can be used against us from outside sources or even from within our own walls. However, GNR will never replace humans because we are always in control and the future will forever need us.