writing

Homework 1 – CS 3162 – Fall 2021 Discussion Questions for “Why the Future Doesn't Need Us”

Please read Bill Joy’s paper, "Why the Future Doesn't Need Us", Wired 8.04 (April 2000). I’ve uploaded a copy of his paper to eLearning. I’ve also uploaded a couple of other summary or critique documents that you might find interesting, but I am not requiring you to read those; they are just additional reference material for you to explore. You can find many others on the web. Think carefully about what Joy is telling us and write answers to the following questions. Feel free to add additional questions to your response. Overall, I want a good solid analysis of Joy’s controversial paper. Preferred Length: at least 2 pages (not counting references), double-spaced, 11-point font size Make your answers meaningful; no fluff. (-10 points if too fluffy) Include several references in your essay, too. Upload your answers in PDF format to eLearning when you’re done. Name your file like this: CS3162-firstname-lastname.pdf DUE: Thursday, September 2, 2021 – by midnight

Why the Future Doesn't Need Us

1. Who is Bill Joy? What authority does he have to write on technology?

2. Does Joy agree or disagree with Kurzweil's basic claims? Explain.

3. Why, in Joy’s opinion, is humility necessary in developing technology?

4. What is Joy’s dilemma, with respect to knowledge? How does he view it, compared with Oppenheimer?

5. Summarize Joy’s thesis. Argue with it, if you want, or support it. But do one or the other.

6. On what ethical principles would you say Joy bases his critique of technology?

7. Joy believes that “we must find alternative outlets for our creative forces, beyond the culture of perpetual economic growth …” What should we say to future generations who will face prospects of less prosperity than their parents if we curtail the technological development that drives economic growth?

8. “Each of us has our precious things,” Joy says, “and as we care for them we locate the essence of our humanity. In the end, it is because of our great capacity for caring that I remain optimistic we will confront the dangerous issues now before us.” Do you share his optimism? Explain.

9. Are you more in agreement with Kurzweil or with Joy? Why?

10. Do you have any other comments about Bill Joy’s arguments?