What technologies are we not yet ready for?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around technologies that the general public may not be ready for, exploring various existing and hypothetical technologies across different domains, including cloning, hybrid vehicles, and weapons. Participants express concerns about societal readiness, ethical implications, and the potential dangers associated with these technologies.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that the public is not ready for nuclear weapons, particularly easy-to-make versions.
  • Cloning technology is mentioned as a controversial area, with some arguing for its potential medical benefits while others express ethical concerns.
  • There are claims that technologies like antibiotics, designer drugs, and genetically modified crops pose risks that society may not be prepared to handle.
  • One participant argues that societal values influence readiness for technologies, citing examples like hybrid cars and their acceptance in the market.
  • Concerns are raised about the potential misuse of technologies, such as germ warfare and the implications of human creativity in using technologies irresponsibly.
  • Some participants express a belief that humans can adapt quickly to new technologies, while others question the ethical implications of such advancements.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of views, with no clear consensus on which technologies are deemed too advanced or dangerous for public readiness. Disagreement exists on the implications and societal acceptance of various technologies, particularly cloning and hybrid vehicles.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the influence of cultural and ethical considerations on the acceptance of technology, noting that readiness may depend on societal values and awareness of potential consequences.

Loren Booda
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What existing technologies are the general public not yet ready for?
 
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Hmm... I would say an H-bomb.
 
..especially of the easy-to-make basement lab type. But probably any type qualifies.
 
I think Cloning Technology :(
 
Humans can be a bit irrational at times so I guess even a stick could be potentialy leathal. I guess humans aren't ready for sticks
 
Touche!
 
Originally posted by DarkAnt
Humans can be a bit irrational at times so I guess even a stick could be potentialy leathal. I guess humans aren't ready for sticks

Does this mean I have to get rid of my baseball bat with a nail driven through the end?

Seriously, that raises a good point. Technology which is not inherently dangerous can be perverted if it falls into the wrong hands. However, I believe technology can become dangerous even in the hands of people with good intentions. Cloning and nano-technology could certainly go awry.
 
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Actually! Technologies that don't match with our culture, we aren't ready for that, Right?

Suppose, we are not ready for Human Flesh Chopper machine or not ready for Making human babies in Electric Incubator instead of Female wore! Right ?
 
Antibiotics, anti-retrovirals, designer drugs, fission reactors (except the Chinese public?), GM crops (European public), guns, ... it's a pretty long list.
 
  • #10
Lets cut to the chase:

Man isn't ready for thought.

That certainly solves everything. If man can't think, then he can't cause any (man-made) problems. I stress man-made because they really are just that.
 
  • #11
I believe that humans aren't ready for hybrid cars yet. Most of Americans look towards handling and comfort when buying a car, and gas efficiency means close to nothing. If you want towing power, speed that usually doesn't mean hybrid. Though Toyota and Ford are producing hybrid SUVs this year.

The iTunes Music Store beat out the Toyota Prius as the invention of the year (TIMES Magazine). A simplistic online music store, beat out a vehicle that can change the future of transportation as well as environment. Shows how much people care about the latter.

Businesses aren't ready for it either. If more people started buying hybrids, more and more gas stations disappear. That is why the Government is buying time for businesses to prepare.

I know the environment is in need of it though, and I'm ready for it.

Another technology most users aren't ready for are 64-bit PCs. Aside from the G5, there aren't any existing OS for the common user that is made for 64-bit computing, unless you count Linux as one.

In about 2 years, Windows will have a 64-bit version come out.


I think Cloning Technology :(

I don't know about you, but I'm way ready for that, and so is the medical system.

The idea of cloning new organs for the ill (in theory). We need that ready as soon as possible.

Aside from religious people, I think humans want to see this happen.
 
  • #12
Originally posted by kenikov
I don't know about you, but I'm way ready for that, and so is the medical system.

The idea of cloning new organs for the ill (in theory). We need that ready as soon as possible.

Aside from religious people, I think humans want to see this happen.

Hmm...I am from Bangladesh! No there is no wind of Cloning is blowing there! I am talking about it as this is forbidden in US! What was the reason for that?

Actually! Human can very quickly adapt with new technology!
Besides! I patially agree with dduardo! And I also think as we are human, technologist are also so, and that is why they are making what they are thinking will fit in the Current World! Isn't it ?
 
  • #13
Hmm... If we don't care about the consequences, we're ready for everything... And as things appear right now, most of the world do not care... That's why cloning and genonmodified food is entering the market, although no one knows about the longterm effects. That is why fission and coal/oil/gas is still used, and funding for alternative energy is too low.
The will to regard men over money is simply too small to allow these prosperous areas of production to be unused.
I do agree with the above: Anything is dangerous if the user is creative enough.
But also, if we do care about all people, nothing is dangerous...

Best regards

Thomas Hansen
 
  • #14
Zero G toilets
 
  • #15
Germ warfare technology. It is to cheap and easy to get started, and to expensive and difficult to controll. I'm afraid it is going to get out of hand.
 

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