Joy Response

            In the article “Why the Future Doesn’t Need Us,” Bill Joy’s primary concern is exercising caution when it comes to the creation of new technology. The discoveries we have made, concerning technology, have helped to make our lives run a little bit more smoothly. We have the ability to constantly be in contact with one another, and we have the ability to access information almost instantly. New technological advances have also been beneficial in the areas of medicine and surgical procedures. Less invasive surgical methods have been developed, as well as treatment options that are more effective and less painful. However, we have made some technological discoveries, like cloning or genetically enhanced produce, that have raised questions about morals and ethics. And now, with new advances in the field of robotics, we are again encouraged to take a step back and consider the consequences of our actions. As more doors open, new dangers emerge. And while we humans are naturally inquisitive, which is no doubt a positive attribute, we also need to proceed with caution.

            As a writer, Bill Joy does an excellent job of appealing to ethos. The number of books he has read, the work he has done, and his knowledge of the field all work to convince readers that he is an authority on the topic. His quotes from various sources suggest he is well-read, as well as supply relevant support and examples for his argument. For example, “’Either of two cases might occur. The machines might be permitted to make all of their own decisions without human oversight, or else human control over the machines might be retained.’” He also quotes from George Dyson, “’In the game of life and evolution there are three players at the table: human beings, nature, and machines. I am firmly on the side of nature. But nature, I suspect, is on the side of the machines.’” Besides providing quotes to set up the problem, Joy also employs the help of parallel examples. He writes, “Our overuse of antibiotics has led to what may be the biggest such problem so far: the emergence of antibiotic-resistant and much more dangerous bacteria.” Examples like this show that technology that had been intended for good, has ultimately had an adverse effect. So although we cannot predict every single outcome some new technology will bring, we must at least entertain the idea that something bad could go wrong, and plan accordingly.

             Although this article was published 11 years ago, I think the issues are still relevant to today’s society, if not more so. We are continually making break through after break through, and all of this newfound knowledge has the potential to become dangerous if used improperly or carelessly. What is important is that we recognize the fact that there are potential negative outcomes, and exercise much caution.