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 26
Page 31
... selection , keeping those that work best with his other tools to serve his needs . Through years of variation and selection , his system evolved — a pro- cess he highly recommends . Indeed , he urges that one never try to plan out the ...
... selection , keeping those that work best with his other tools to serve his needs . Through years of variation and selection , his system evolved — a pro- cess he highly recommends . Indeed , he urges that one never try to plan out the ...
Page 65
... selection . Minds act . One need not embrace Skinnerian behaviorism to see the importance of behavior , including the internal behavior called thinking . RNA replicating in test tubes shows how the idea of pur- pose can apply ( as a ...
... selection . Minds act . One need not embrace Skinnerian behaviorism to see the importance of behavior , including the internal behavior called thinking . RNA replicating in test tubes shows how the idea of pur- pose can apply ( as a ...
Page 73
... selecting among internal models . Lenat himself describes the variation and selection of heuristics and concepts in the system in terms of " mutation " and " selection , " and suggests a social , cultural metaphor for understanding ...
... selecting among internal models . Lenat himself describes the variation and selection of heuristics and concepts in the system in terms of " mutation " and " selection , " and suggests a social , cultural metaphor for understanding ...
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