STS 403 Quiz 1

According to Joel Garreau in chapter one of Radical Evolution, "enhanced people" are already among us. This suggests that there are individuals who have already undergone some form of enhancement, whether it be through technology, medicine, or other means. This implies that the concept of enhanced individuals is not a future possibility but a current reality.

In chapter 2 of Radical Evolution, Joel Garreau discusses the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), an organization committed to radical and rapid technological change. DARPA is known for its groundbreaking research and development of advanced technologies for military use. It has played a significant role in the development of various technologies such as the internet, GPS, and stealth technology. Garreau highlights DARPA's role in driving innovation and shaping the future through its pursuit of cutting-edge technologies.

The correct answer suggests that engineered human evolution is currently being pursued or developed. This implies that there are ongoing efforts or advancements in the field of manipulating human evolution through technology or genetic engineering. It indicates that the idea of altering human evolution is not just a hypothetical concept but something actively being worked on in the present time.

The correct answer is exponential change. In the context of the book "Radical Evolution," Joel Garreau explains that "The Curve" refers to the rapid and exponential advancement of technology and its impact on society. This exponential change is driven by the acceleration of technological innovations and their subsequent effects on various aspects of human life. Garreau argues that this exponential change is fundamentally reshaping the world and poses significant challenges and opportunities for humanity.

In chapter 4 of Radical Evolution, Joel Garreau portrays Ray Kurzweil as someone who is relentlessly and fiercely optimistic about the future. This suggests that Kurzweil has a strong belief in the potential of technological advancements and their positive impact on society. Garreau's characterization implies that Kurzweil is enthusiastic and unwavering in his optimism, highlighting his hopeful outlook on the future.

In Chapter 6 of Radical Evolution, Joel Garreau mentions that Jaron Lanier is best known for inventing virtual reality. This implies that Lanier played a significant role in the development and advancement of virtual reality technology.

In chapter 4 of Radical Evolution, Joel Garreau explains that the core element of Kurzweil's thinking is that the curve of exponentially increasing technology is rising smoothly. This means that according to Kurzweil, technological advancements are not only increasing at an exponential rate but also doing so consistently without any significant deceleration or reversal. This belief in the smooth rise of technology is a fundamental aspect of Kurzweil's perspective on the future of innovation and its potential impact on society.

The correct answer suggests that DARPA researcher Michael Goldblatt believes that fundamentally altering human nature through his research would be an unintended consequence. This implies that Goldblatt does not intend or desire to change human nature, but rather acknowledges that it may happen unintentionally as a result of his research.

In chapter one of Radical Evolution, Joel Garreau introduces the concept of GRIN technologies, which stands for Genetics, Robotics, Information, and Nanotechnology. This term encompasses the four interconnected fields that are driving the transformative changes in society and technology. Geriatrics, Intelligence, and Nuclear are not mentioned in the context of GRIN technologies in the chapter, making the correct answer Genetics, Robotics, Information, and Nanotechnology.

The correct answer is "This change will replace existing political institutions with radically reorganized governing processes." The book Radical Evolution tests three hypotheses, which are: 1) We are riding a curve of exponential change, 2) This change is unprecedented in human history, and 3) This change is transforming human nature. However, it does not specifically mention that this change will replace existing political institutions with radically reorganized governing processes.

In chapter 3 of Radical Evolution, Joel Garreau mentions Vernon Vinge in association with the idea of "The Singularity." The Singularity refers to a hypothetical point in the future where technological progress becomes uncontrollable and irreversible, leading to significant changes in human civilization. This concept was popularized by Vinge in his essay "The Coming Technological Singularity," where he discusses the potential impact of advanced artificial intelligence surpassing human intelligence. Therefore, the correct answer is "The Singularity."

In chapter 4 of Radical Evolution, Joel Garreau mentions that Ray Kurzweil hopes to be among the first generation to experience dramatically extended life expectancy. This implies that Kurzweil supports efforts to extend life expectancy and believes that it can be dramatically increased.

The "transcend" position, as explained by Joel Garreau in chapter 7 of Radical Evolution, builds on the prevail scenario. This means that the "transcend" position takes into account and expands upon the prevailing scenario or viewpoint. It does not contradict or prove the prevail scenario, nor is it irrelevant to it. Instead, it adds new perspectives or possibilities to the prevailing scenario, enhancing and building upon it.

The correct answer is "Exponential rates of change in computer technology." This is because Joel Garreau, in chapter 3 of Radical Evolution, specifically mentions that "Moore's Law" refers to the exponential rates of change in computer technology. Moore's Law is a principle that states that the number of transistors on a microchip doubles approximately every two years, leading to exponential growth in computing power.

Joel Garreau, in chapter 5 of Radical Evolution, discusses Francis Fukuyama's fears regarding the potential consequences of attempting to change certain fundamental aspects of human nature. Fukuyama is concerned that in our pursuit of altering these characteristics, we may unintentionally transform ourselves to the point where we become unrecognizable as humans. This implies that the changes we make could be so drastic that they fundamentally redefine what it means to be human.

According to Joel Garreau in chapter 5 of Radical Evolution, the most dangerous development in Bill Joy's version of the Hell scenario is that abuses of the GRIN technologies are within reach of individuals or small groups. This implies that previously, the potential for abuse was limited to larger organizations or entities, but now, with the advancement of GRIN technologies, even individuals or small groups have the capability to misuse them. This raises concerns about the potential consequences and risks associated with such accessibility.

In Chapter 5 of Radical Evolution, Joel Gareau mentions that Bill Joy has a reputation in Silicon Valley as "thoughtful and level-headed." This suggests that Bill Joy is known for being calm, rational, and careful in his thinking and decision-making processes. This reputation implies that he is not impulsive or easily swayed by emotions, but rather takes the time to consider different perspectives and make well-thought-out choices.

In chapter 6 of Radical Evolution, Joel Garreau states that Lanier uses the difference between infinite games and finite games to explain why he thinks humans may prevail.

Lanier believes that humans may prevail because of increased bridging of the interpersonal gap. This means that as technology advances, it has the potential to bring people closer together and enhance communication between individuals. By overcoming the barriers of distance and time, technology can facilitate connections and understanding among people, ultimately leading to a stronger human presence and influence in the world.

The Shakespeare test would be applied by Joel Garreau to determine if an enhanced individual is still human. This suggests that the test involves evaluating the individual's level of creativity, intelligence, and ability to appreciate and understand complex human emotions and experiences, as Shakespeare's works are known for their deep exploration of the human condition.

The correct answer suggests that Lanier's thinking is completely different from both Kurzweil and Joy. This means that Lanier does not agree more with either Kurzweil or Joy and is not in the same territory as them. Lanier's ideas and perspectives are unique and distinct from the other two thinkers.

Joel Garreau, in chapter 4 of Radical Evolution, states that Marvin Minsky takes the Hell scenario seriously. This implies that Minsky considers the possibility of a future where advanced technology leads to negative consequences or a dystopian outcome. Minsky does not reject the idea of the Hell scenario but rather acknowledges its seriousness and potential implications.

The given answer is not one of the premises because it does not pertain to the idea of the transcend proposition. The three premises mentioned by Joel Garreau are that the movement toward "post-human" existence is inevitable, many of the GRIN technologies can alter basics of the human condition, and there will be unintended consequences from the application of these technologies. The statement about the advantages of GRIN technologies advancing at an ever-increasing rate is not mentioned as one of the premises.

In chapter 7 of Radical Evolution, Joel Garreau discusses the concept of "transhumanism." He describes it as an effort among philosophers and ethicists to infuse technological change. This suggests that transhumanism is not a form of trading in human beings or the condition of being surpassed by enhanced humans, but rather a movement interested in using technology to enhance and evolve humanity.