Analysis

Bill Joyaddress the issue of human annihilation in his article “Why the Future Doesn’t Need Us” published in Wired magazine. Charles Darwin theorized that species exist for the main purpose of self-promotion. Humans too are contained within the domain of this argument. However, humans maintain a distinct characteristic that sets man apart from the rest of the living creatures, consciousness. From the Darwinian perspective when confronted by the possibility of extinction, a creature would do whatever possible to ensure survival. Bill Joy asserts that for humans this is not the case. The logic of his arguments is sound (see Logos), however the success of his arguments is deep rooted in the emotional appeal of the article.

Technology is a defining characteristic of the human species. It is a way in which we describe history and a tool used to measure quality of life. Joy states, “The dream of robotics is, first, that intelligent machines can do our work for us, allowing us lives of leisure, restoring us to Eden.” Pathos is evoked here through the use of religion. Joy creates a vision of the future being near perfect and pure. It is clear that quality of life and the average human lifespan have increased with advancement in technology. However, history has shown that no generation has been free from suffering despite the extensive use of technologies. Yet, Joy’s argument is appealing because the capabilities of our technologies have not been at such a high level. Humans tend to be optimistic about the future for the reason that we are “accustomed to living with almost routine scientific breakthroughs.” However, “we have yet to come to terms with the fact that the most compelling 21st-century technologies.” This point is made clear by current debates on the uses for genetically altered food and the risks to society that they could possibly pose. The average person does not comprehend all of the science behind current technologies. Joy states, “I have long realized that the big advances in information technology come not from the work of computer scientists, computer architects, or electrical engineers, but from that of physical scientists.” In this system described by Joy it appears that many people have access to new technologies and the ability to manipulate it. This is generates a fear among people. Joy enforces this feeling by alluding to the terrorism of the Unabomber and applying it under the premises of a future genetic technology. The resulting terror again distills fear, especially when it is realized that the logic behind the arguments is sound.

The article then plays on the terror of technology with mankind’s willingness to accept a seemingly horrible fate. It is illogical to assume that humans would allow to be eliminated from existence, but it is believed “that the changes would come gradually, and that we would get used to them.” Again the examples prove to be logical.

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. Similar things happened when attempts to eliminate malarial mosquitoes using DDT caused them to acquire DDT resistance; malarial parasites likewise acquired multi-drug-resistant genes.

Our goals seem to be nearsighted. The logically presented farsighted goals appear dismal, creating a feeling of helplessness. Joy’s article contains many appeals to the human emotions, especially with his desolate descriptions of what the future may bring. When presented emotionally, the logical arguments of the extinction of man can be extremely difficult to accept. As the case of Theodore Kaczynski, the reality of our future may seem very disturbing. To such people pathos proves to be a strong source for validating an argument, a characteristic which Joy uses to further his article.

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