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 42
... knowledge . Through most of history , people had little understanding of evolu- tion . This left philosophers thinking that sensory evidence , through reason , must somehow imprint on the mind all human knowledge- including knowledge of ...
... knowledge . Through most of history , people had little understanding of evolu- tion . This left philosophers thinking that sensory evidence , through reason , must somehow imprint on the mind all human knowledge- including knowledge of ...
Page 173
... Knowledge can bring power , and power can bring knowledge . Depending on their natures and their goals , advanced AI systems might accumulate enough knowledge and power to displace us , if we don't prepare properly . And as with ...
... Knowledge can bring power , and power can bring knowledge . Depending on their natures and their goals , advanced AI systems might accumulate enough knowledge and power to displace us , if we don't prepare properly . And as with ...
Page 218
... knowledge relatively scarce , incorrect , and disor- ganized . Because established knowledge is often hard to find , we often do without it , making us seem more ignorant than we need be . Can new technologies help us ? They have before ...
... knowledge relatively scarce , incorrect , and disor- ganized . Because established knowledge is often hard to find , we often do without it , making us seem more ignorant than we need be . Can new technologies help us ? They have before ...
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