[ExI] Hard Takeoff

[Stefano Vaj]

2010/11/27 Mike Dougherty <msd001 at gmail.com>:
> We are certainly
> concerned that genetic engineering (et al.) have the potential to produce a
> plague that also wipes out humanity but it would be unwise to abandon this
> medical technology regardless of its potential for curative medicine.
>
> I was thinking prudence should allay our fears.  Then I imagined the
> counterpoint would be to investigate if humanity collectively possesses
> enough prudence in the first place.

There are people thinking that according to the "coolest", most
fashionable thinking,  the alternative would be between those  who are
blind to the danger of technological progress, and/or delude
themselves that it may be be possible to  stop it, vs. the enlightened
few who are responsibly preoccupied with its "steering".

Personally, along traditional transhumanist lines, I think the actual
alternative is still between those who are against technological
progress vs. those who are in favour.

And I think that those really deluded are the "responsible" group.
Both because progress is far from granted *and* because even if it
were the idea of steering it would be presumptuous and short-sighted,
not to mention fundamentally reactionary.

-- 
Stefano Vaj