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 27
Page 35
... mental replicators now evolve over days and decades . Like genes , ideas split , combine , and take multiple forms ( genes can be transcribed from DNA to RNA and back again ; ideas can be translated from language to language ) . Science ...
... mental replicators now evolve over days and decades . Like genes , ideas split , combine , and take multiple forms ( genes can be transcribed from DNA to RNA and back again ; ideas can be translated from language to language ) . Science ...
Page 37
... mental immune systems . The oldest and simplest mental immune system simply commands " believe the old , reject the new . " Something like this system gener- ally kept tribes from abandoning old , tested ways in favor of wild new ...
... mental immune systems . The oldest and simplest mental immune system simply commands " believe the old , reject the new . " Something like this system gener- ally kept tribes from abandoning old , tested ways in favor of wild new ...
Page 66
... mental models . Flexible organisms can vary their models and pay more attention to the versions that prove better guides to action . We all know what it is to try things , and learn which work . Models need not be instinctive ; they can ...
... mental models . Flexible organisms can vary their models and pay more attention to the versions that prove better guides to action . We all know what it is to try things , and learn which work . Models need not be instinctive ; they can ...
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