kyoto@pawl.rpi.edu (Jesse N. Schell) (11/16/90)
GE is currently doing research concerning connecting a computer interface to your head. It really seems that the mechanization of the human brain is going to be the way of the future. Immortality may indeed become possible, and the altered humans will be a truly different creature than anything that has come before. This development would drastically change our conceptions of good and evil, as well as any considerations of the importance of the individual. Many people are trying to ignore the fact that this may become a reality, perhaps within our lifetimes. All we know will have to be redefined, even what it means to be alive. Personally, I am looking forward to these changes, as it will force humanity as we know it to confront the cold light of reality, and personal views of what might or might not be true will have far less importance. I realize I probably sound like a nut, but what do others think?
TRULL@cl.uh.edu ("Kim J. Trull") (11/16/90)
Direct computer-to-brain interface -- sounds like a dream come
true to me! Of course, I realize that the implications are
enormous, and likely to be beyond what we're imagining.
Brings a whole new meaning to "hacking" 'though, doesn't it?
KJlucifer@world.std.com (Kevin S Green) (11/17/90)
Jesse, I also look forward to direct connection to computers.
For one, I'd like to have 24 hour access to USEnet/Internet or
what ever it will become when we have direct-connect.
--
Kevin S. Green / lucifer@world.std.com / {xylogics;uunet}!world!lucifer
AOL: Gargoth / BIX: Keving / Pro-line: kgreen@pro-angmarSC05212@SWTEXAS.BITNET (11/18/90)
The idea of direct brain to computer interface is not new. If you are
curious about one view of what could happen read the manuals to the Cyberpunk
Role Playing Game. It shows a dark world where direct computer/brain interface
is a best risky, usually dangerous possibly fatal. Imagine a computer virus
designed to directly affect the Medula in the brain (Basic Life Functions).
I know that this is fiction, but it is a possiblity. While I would
probably get an implant IF I could ever afford it, I would want massive
regulation and protection, because as in all technology, it could be real good
and real bad at the same time.
Sean Chitwood.
SWTSU Student.
_______________________________________________________________________________
Disclaimer: They don't care about what I think so my thoughts are truly my own.cirian@einstein.eds.com (Steve Cirian) (11/21/90)
Read _Neuromancer_ by William Gibson. It is considered the classic Cyberpunk novel, and deals with similar issues. -- Steve Cirian ~ local girl: What does BRMC stand for? 750 Tower Drive ~ Johnny: Black Rebels Motorcycle Club Troy, MI 48007 ~ local girl: What are you rebelling against? (313) 265-5738 ~ Johnny: Whattya got?
asylvain@felix.UUCP (Alvin "the Chipmunk" Sylvain) (11/29/90)
In article <9011182020.AA26231@BU.EDU> SC05212@SWTEXAS.BITNET writes: > [...] > I know that this is fiction, but it is a possiblity. While I would > probably get an implant IF I could ever afford it, I would want massive > regulation and protection, because as in all technology, it could be real good > and real bad at the same time. I doubt that our government, or any future government, would have the wisdom to regulate away the risks you're afraid of. This "massive regulation" you're talking about would more likely manifest itself as "programming", wherein each individual receiving the implant automatically "thinks correctly". I.e., the person with the "well regulated" computer implant follows whatever the current political ideology of the time happens to be. All data loaded is that which has been approved by the regulators as being "safe" (safe for the status quo). (Modified history? Or simply leave out counter-examples? "too much detail!") Any logical processes that occur might only follow the "Pre-Defined Politically Correct" processes, assuring those in power that no "radical" ideas crop up. Talk about Big Brother! As a matter of fact, this may well make a great idea for some science fiction! -- asylvain@felix.UUCP (Alvin "the Chipmunk" Sylvain) ========================= Opinions are Mine, Typos belong to /usr/ucb/vi "We're sorry, but the reality you have dialed is no longer in service. Please check the value of pi, or see your SysOp for assistance." {}hplabs!felix!asylvain ================================================