Engines of CreationIn this original book about the consequences of new technologies, Drexler takes the reader through exhilarating new discoveries and the promise of those around the corner. Beginning with the insight that what we can do depends on what we can build, Drexler analyzes nanotechnology, which involves the manipulation of individual atoms and molecules. He makes a plausible case for expecting technological developments in artificial intelligence and molecular engineering that will result in tiny mechanisms being controlled by microscopic powerful thinking computers. He also explains how the new alternatives could be directed toward vital human concerns -- wealth or poverty, health or sickness, peace or war. ISBN 0-385-19972-4: $17.95. |
From inside the book
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Page 12
... better machines be built ? Over the years , engi- neers have used technology to improve technology . They have used metal tools to shape metal into better tools , and computers to design and program better computers . They will likewise ...
... better machines be built ? Over the years , engi- neers have used technology to improve technology . They have used metal tools to shape metal into better tools , and computers to design and program better computers . They will likewise ...
Page 73
... better behaviors , better in- ternal models , and better rules for selecting among internal models . Lenat himself describes the variation and selection of heuristics and concepts in the system in terms of " mutation " and " selection ...
... better behaviors , better in- ternal models , and better rules for selecting among internal models . Lenat himself describes the variation and selection of heuristics and concepts in the system in terms of " mutation " and " selection ...
Page 126
... better ? The expectation of living a long life in a better future may well make some political diseases less deadly . Human conflicts are far too deep and strong to be uprooted by any simple change , yet the pros- pect of vast wealth ...
... better ? The expectation of living a long life in a better future may well make some political diseases less deadly . Human conflicts are far too deep and strong to be uprooted by any simple change , yet the pros- pect of vast wealth ...
Contents
Engines of Construction | 3 |
The Principles of Change | 21 |
Predicting and Projecting | 39 |
Copyright | |
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ability able active shields arms artificial intelligence atoms automated engineering systems bacteria basic Biochemists biostasis bonds brain build cell repair machines Chapter chemical chines complex computers copies cost damage dangerous described develop devices discussion due process Earth electronic energy Engines of Creation entropy enzymes Eric Drexler EURISKO evolution evolved experiments fact forum faster future genes genetic hardware human hypertext ideas imagine knowledge layer lightsails limits to growth living Marvin Minsky material mechanical memes mental million mind molecular machinery molecular machines molecular technology molecules nanocomputers nanomachines nanotechnology natural neural nuclear organisms patterns possible predict principles problem protein machines replicating assemblers ribosomes Richard Dawkins RNA molecules Robert Ettinger robots rockets science court scientific scientists seems simple simulation space speed spread survive synapses technical technology race tion tissue viruses vitrification