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
Results 1-3 of 52
Page 145
... develop the technology , and revive people . This final point accounts for most of the overall uncertainty . Assume ... develop . Will people in the future bother ? It seems likely that they will . They may not develop nanotechnol- ogy ...
... develop the technology , and revive people . This final point accounts for most of the overall uncertainty . Assume ... develop . Will people in the future bother ? It seems likely that they will . They may not develop nanotechnol- ogy ...
Page 182
... develop reli- able , technically oriented institutions having strong checks and bal- ances , then use these to guide the development of the systems we will need to handle the coming breakthroughs . TACTICS FOR THE ASSEMBLER BREAKTHROUGH ...
... develop reli- able , technically oriented institutions having strong checks and bal- ances , then use these to guide the development of the systems we will need to handle the coming breakthroughs . TACTICS FOR THE ASSEMBLER BREAKTHROUGH ...
Page 197
... developing trustworthy institutions for managing both the initial breakthroughs and the de- velopment of active shields . The shields we develop , in turn , must be designed to help us secure a future worth living in , a future with ...
... developing trustworthy institutions for managing both the initial breakthroughs and the de- velopment of active shields . The shields we develop , in turn , must be designed to help us secure a future worth living in , a future with ...
Contents
Engines of Construction | 3 |
The Principles of Change | 21 |
Predicting and Projecting | 39 |
Copyright | |
15 other sections not shown
Other editions - View all
Common terms and phrases
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