Summary: 

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     In his article, “Why the Future Doesn’t Need Us,” Bill Joy confronts the possible dangers of twenty-first century technology and the moral obligations society has for these technologies. Joy addresses these issues from his perspective as a computer scientist and inventor, and
encourages not only other scientists, but society as a whole, to think about the unintended and possibly even fatal consequences of technology. Joy also encourages technology regulation and raises several reasons he believes it is necessary. 

    In the first part of Joy’s article, he introduces the fears he and others have for the potential danger of the new twenty-first century technologies known as GNR- genetics, nanotechnology, and robotics. The great difference he claims between GNR technology and older NBC
technology-nuclear, biological, and chemical- is the ability for the GNR technologies to “self-replicate.” Joy sees this as potentially disastrous because it not only enables humans to become controllers of creation and evolution, but if inadvertently released, could self-replicate 
uncontrollably. Since GNR technology requires only knowledge to create, the fear of such information falling into terrorist hands is also strong. 

    In looking at genetic engineering, Joy’s main concern is that humans could inadvertently or if an act of terrorism, intentionally create a “White Plague”- a disaster where a particular group of people is selectively eradicated due to genetic manipulation. Joy also notes that through the
manipulation of genes, humans could reengineer themselves with different species. This he sees would threaten the concepts of equality in society, and even the foundation upon which democracy is built. Like genetic engineering, nanotechnologies, as well could be engineered to
target and eradicate a select group of people; therefore, creating potentially disastrous societal collapses.

    In looking at robotics, Bill Joy questions the development of artificial intelligence. He fears that by enabling computers and robots to think and make decisions for themselves, they would eventually be able to self-replicate. If this were to happen, Joy fears the human race would
become extinct or slaves to the superior machines. Another aspect Joy presents is the possibility that humans will themselves evolve into robots in order to achieve a sort of immortality, created by downloading a person’s subconscious into a computer. Such an idea causes Joy to question the definition of humanity and whether such an existence can even be considered living.

    In part two of Bill Joy’s article Joy encourages society to take responsibility for their technology and encourages preventative measures be taken to decrease chances for a potential
disaster. He states that the reason technological dangers continue to grow is because people, even though they may be reasonable and concerned, are more erratic and less concerned with consequences. “We are driven…by our habits, our desires, our economic system, and our competitive need to know,” and fail to see the risks our inventions pose (Joy 256).  In his article, Joy quotes Churchill in saying “…that the American people and their leaders  ‘invariably do the right thing, after they have examined every other alternative’…”(Joy 256). However, Joy iterates that humans only have one chance at doing the right thing with these new technologies. Like the cloning of a mammal, GNR breakthroughs will come rapidly and surprisingly. Without warning
new technologies could destroy mankind before people have a chance react. In order to prevent such surprises, Joy raises the idea of a unilateral ban where nations agree to limit the “pursuit of 
certain kinds of knowledge” (Joy 254). Although such a ban would compromise people’s embedded views on privacy and liberty, Joy argues it is better than risking people’s lives. 

    In the final notes of his article Joy expresses his faith that humans will confront these issues. He says, “ Each of us has our precious things, and as we care for them we locate the essence or 
our humanity…it is because of … our great capacity for caring that I remain optimistic we will confront the dangerous issues….” (Joy 262).

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