Biopolitics (not NP)

[David Morris]

>From: "Otto" <o.sell at telda.net>
>Rob:
> > And, genetic mutation is how we've gotten to where we are "naturally". I 
>keep coming back to the ethics rather than the technology.
>
>The overwhelming majority of all mutants don't survive. The fact that we 
>are here sometimes appears to me like a long list of unbelievable 
>coincidences that could turn an atheist into a believer.

Isn't there some line about how Shakespeare's oeuvre could eventually be 
produced (recreated? or surpassed?) by a random gazillion or more  monkeys 
flailing away at IBM Selectrics? (Do you remember them (those IBM's)?)

Isn't this an Aquinas argument having to do with God's existence being 
bourne out by the beauty of the Creation?  But Man (and his consciousness) 
is a part of that self-same Creation.  The underlying implication in this 
examination of our new "Present Peril" is that our consciousness is the 
source of our imminent damnation.

>
>I really would like to believe that one day it will be able to use all 
>technology exclusively ethically. But given the history of technology (King 
>Ludd, Rockets) and the present situation (eg. 18 million Africans died of 
>HIV) I have my doubts.
>

The evil of politics and greed will be with us forever, just as Jesus says 
so will "the poor."  At least just so long as this present world hasn't yet 
been consumed by fire.

>
>On the other hand I admit that it's a shame to let good chances for 
>improvements for all people go by just because of the bad boys.
>

Ethicists are so needed to guide regulation in this inevitable future, but 
ethics are so enmeshed with superstition and religion and The Great 
Uncertainty, that I fear we will have to experience Chaos (War?) as the 
ultimate planner here.  Humans might not survive, but something else might.  
Que sera... (but I'm rooting for the humans).

David Morris



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