Can We Predict the Evolution of Future Humans?

In summary, John Glad is a retired professor who has authored, edited, or translated 20 books and is currently working on the topic of future human evolution and the rights of future generations. His new book is available for free download from http://www.whatwemaybe.org/. The conversation discusses the theory that humanity is just a middle-stage development in natural evolution and that machines may eventually surpass humans in terms of survival and reproduction. This idea was first explored by Arthur C. Clarke in his Space Odyssey books.
  • #1
Dennis4
5
0
From http://www.whatwemaybe.org/

John Glad is a retired professor of Russian studies, having taught at Rutgers University, the University of Chicago, the University of Iowa, and the University of Maryland. He is also the former Director of the Kennan Institute for Advanced Russian Studies in the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, in Washington, D.C. A Guggenheim grant recipient, he is the author, editor, or translator of twenty books, some of which have been honored in the American Book Awards. Future Human Evolution is part of his long-standing work on behalf of human rights, in this case of future generations.
His new book is free to download from http://www.whatwemaybe.org/
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Hi Lamb,
Back in '75 I was taking a Theory of History class and the premise forced me to not only take all history into account, but to postulate what all that was proceeding to. And I came up with the most astounding idea I've ever encountered. Try this on for size: Humanity is the biological predecessor for inorganic "life" - machines. Realize this was years before the PC phenomenon.
Just take a few postulates into account and the idea doesn't seem as far-fetched as it sounds at first. If evolution's two drivers, survival and ability to reproduce are correct then can't machines achieve superiority in our environment, even greater than humans? If so, evolution sez they'll become dominant. Some of the developments along the way are 1) artificial intelligence, that is, the machines' ability to gather data independently and act upon it in there best interest; and 2) the ability to reproduce - machines makin' machines at will.
Now, that doesn't seem too unlikely now does it? If realized, the theory gives a little different relationship between you and the machine you're pumpin' now does it? Therefore humanity is just a middle-stage development of natural evolution. Just conjecture though. Whaddya think?

Peace and love,
NN
 
  • #3
Dennis - Do you have a point or are you just advertising the book?
 
  • #4
NEBRASKA NATURALIST said:
Therefore humanity is just a middle-stage development of natural evolution.

Are you suggesting that evolution has an end-goal? (that would be contrary to the theory of evolution)
 
  • #5
NEBRASKA NATURALIST said:
Hi Lamb,
Back in '75 I was taking a Theory of History class and the premise forced me to not only take all history into account, but to postulate what all that was proceeding to. And I came up with the most astounding idea I've ever encountered. Try this on for size: Humanity is the biological predecessor for inorganic "life" - machines. Realize this was years before the PC phenomenon.
Just take a few postulates into account and the idea doesn't seem as far-fetched as it sounds at first. If evolution's two drivers, survival and ability to reproduce are correct then can't machines achieve superiority in our environment, even greater than humans? If so, evolution sez they'll become dominant. Some of the developments along the way are 1) artificial intelligence, that is, the machines' ability to gather data independently and act upon it in there best interest; and 2) the ability to reproduce - machines makin' machines at will.
Now, that doesn't seem too unlikely now does it? If realized, the theory gives a little different relationship between you and the machine you're pumpin' now does it? Therefore humanity is just a middle-stage development of natural evolution. Just conjecture though. Whaddya think?

Peace and love,
NN

You didn't develop that idea first. Arthur C. Clarke, in his Space Odyssey books, beat you to it. Someone may have even beaten him to it, but he certainly published this idea back in the 60's. The aliens that planted the monolith were said to have first developed the ability to transfer their consciousness into machines, and then into the energy lattice of space itself. Then end of evolution there was not mechanical form, but immaterial form. Mechanical form was the middle-stage. In fact, the whole process of placing the monolith first with the ape-men, then on the moon, and then turning Dave into the starchild, was designed to push human evolution in the same direction.
 

1. What is human evolution?

Human evolution is the process by which humans have developed and changed over time. It involves the adaptation and modification of our physical and behavioral characteristics in response to environmental pressures and changes.

2. How long does human evolution take?

The timeline for human evolution is difficult to determine as it is an ongoing process, but significant changes can occur over thousands of years. It is also important to note that human evolution is not a linear process and different populations may evolve at different rates.

3. Will humans continue to evolve?

Yes, humans will continue to evolve as long as we exist. Evolution is a natural process that occurs in all living organisms, and humans are no exception. Our environment and behaviors will continue to shape our evolution in the future.

4. What factors influence human evolution?

There are many factors that can influence human evolution, including environmental changes, natural selection, genetic mutations, and cultural and social influences. Additionally, advancements in technology and medicine may also impact the way humans evolve in the future.

5. What changes can we expect to see in future human evolution?

It is difficult to predict exact changes that will occur in future human evolution, but some scientists believe that we may see a decrease in certain physical traits, such as wisdom teeth or pinky toes, due to changes in our diet and lifestyle. There may also be continued adaptation to environmental factors, such as increased tolerance to high altitudes or resistance to certain diseases.

Similar threads

Replies
10
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • General Discussion
Replies
10
Views
3K
Back
Top