Alt-BEAM Archive

Message #10649



To: beam@sgiblab.sgi.com
From: "Thomas Pilgaard" ascii@hum.auc.dk
Date: Tue, 22 Feb 2000 19:46:51 +0100
Subject: [alt-beam] Re: BEAM: Tendency toward miniaturization


I find it difficult to reply to the recent postings all at once. Since this
discussion has evolved into something thatI feel may not be suitable for
this list I will try to round up my point of view on the matter. Comments
are welcomed. And thankyou for a much inspiring conversation.

First off, I will be the first to admit that my involvement in BEAM is of
pure curiosity, I am neither technically skilled nor do I have the
imagination to apply my the technology into something groundbreaking,
problemsolving, taskperforming. It primarily satifies my curosity as a
hobby.

However, I feel the need to comment on points of view by both Dennison and
Jim

a) Dennison: you are right in questioning my presumptions on what to do with
BEAM technology. I realize that there may be no purpose of the likes I
describe in this field.

However, I cannot agree on technology as something "we do because we do it"
and something we are "almost destined to do". Along with destiny the purpose
of anything wanishes. I am aware that this is a personal standpoint to which
there probably is no solution and thus it may seem pointless to continue the
discussion.

Furthermore, robots do not evolve themselves. Without us technology wouldn't
be. We haven't already been and are not to be replaced by robots in the
sence that they are "destined to inherit the earth" to use a cliche (we
don't go about killing people whose jobs are rationalised away in favor of a
more efficient robot). As technology replace human activities and function
we are bound to find other things to do. Technology is in this sence ment to
augment our foundation for being, not to replace us as a biological race.

b) Jim: Also your contribution has made me realize that there may not need
be a point in what we are doing. Any point that can be expressed through
language that is.

Although I have to agree on your pessimistic views on what it is to be
human, I do not think that this taken as a fact is an excuse to ride along.
We have far gone beyond the point where technology is a way to survive.
Surely, this is not the issue anymore. However, the point of such technology
then !was! to solve specific and very real problems: how to survive.

I admit that my statement covering the entire universe was a bold one.
However, I can only disagree on your symptomatic notion on technologys role
in society. If we really want to survive we must adress questions on how we
can create things without at the same time destroying the environment. We
shouldn't sit back and wait for things to happen. If this was the case what
would be the point of attempting to fight deceases? Bacteria and vira are
most likely capable of exceeding human capabilities of adaption to
circumstances.

Now, let's get back to BEAMing :)

Cheers,
Thomas

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