Power of People: Impact of Unsupported Energy on Social Change

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In summary: Could it stop pollution? Could it stop genocide? Nope. The state would have to go. In summary, Jim says that a small group of people could release a large amount of energy without national support. This trend has been increasing over time and is a possible risk for humanity. If this trend continues, social changes could occur as a result. However, it is unclear if the state would be able to stop this type of energy release.
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The amount of energy that can be released by a small number of people without national support has increased steadily. From the truck bomb that wrecked the federal building to the airplanes that destroyed the WTC is a ΔE of orders of magnitude. If we imagine this trend to continue into the rest of the century, what social changes will we see as a result? Are we already seeing the start of long range changes in the Patriot Act and Guantanamo?
 
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As the possible amount of damage increases steadily, we can only hope that our abilities to combat the risk increase at the same (or better) rate. Not to mention (in the case of the WTC) our building methods, materials, and etc. I was thinking about this not too long ago actually, and started wondering if this was perhaps the point of greatest risk of humanity. Our entire species could actually be wiped out by individuals at this point in time. As we grow off our planet, this risk becomes significantly less.

So perhaps, what we're now experiencing is the maximium possible risk for us as a species. As total amount of possible damage, that will have to increase steadily, one would assume.

Here's hoping the good guys keep up with the bad. :wink:
 
  • #3
We can hope...

I am concerned that eventually thermonuclear technology will be available to small groups (~100 or so).

Jim posted on the Hydrogen Bomb thread the following breakthrough in the early 1950s:

The little pellet that earlier,pre-1951, was filled with Polonium/Beryllium, was replaced with DD and/or DT salts that were squeezed at pressures in excess of 6 megabars. The upshot of the change was: with the Po-Be iniator, only 6 neutrons were typically avaiable in the 5 microsecond reflected decompression wave window after which criticallity dropped below "one"; the new pellet produced up to 10^10 neutrons during the same window

He may correct me if I'm wrong, but my impression is that after a deliverable weapon was attained, there wasn't that much attention to wild and crazy ideas in the official community. But the present situation, with the web, and widespread terrorism, seems to be a fertile seedbed for further breakthroughs in making nuclei do tricks.
 
  • #4
Perhaps a socialogist will come up with some new law of society - the upper limit of personal freedom is inversely proportional to the potential harm one person can do. If this is so, the generally increasing trend world wide will be reversed.

All societies limit freedom. It is a good thing. It is good that people are not free to murder or steal or harm. As society progressed, these limitations naturally expanded to the point where they became questionable, as we try to find the happiest medium between repression and chaos. Some people like to delude themselves that there is some absolute morality that dictates this medium, independent of changeable modifiers; that there are natural rights that should be allowed, and natural restrictions that should be observed. That is just conditioning. I fear that technology is taking us down a path in which the happiest medium is moving toward more repression, not more freedom. That would be tragic.

Njorl
 
  • #5
Well the US Bill of Rights has a list that are agreed upon and cultural icons, rather that innate or God-given, but the ones on freedome of speech and religion are the most respected. The Second Amendment, on the right to bear arms, is the most constroversial. Aside from the usual arguments - does it empower the people or the states - there is the question of what constitutes an arm. A gun? A rocket? An H-bomb?

Seriously, of course if some atomic-for-the-people breakthrough is found, it won't be implemented by any legal group. I don't think regulation could stop it. Could it stop drugs?
 

What is the definition of "unsupported energy"?

"Unsupported energy" refers to energy sources that are not backed by government or corporate support, but rather are driven by the actions and behaviors of individuals and communities.

How does "unsupported energy" impact social change?

"Unsupported energy" can have a significant impact on social change by empowering individuals and communities to take action and create change in their own lives and the lives of others. This can lead to a more bottom-up approach to social change, rather than relying solely on top-down initiatives.

What are some examples of "unsupported energy" in action?

Examples of "unsupported energy" include grassroots movements, community-led initiatives, and individual actions such as volunteering, fundraising, and advocating for change.

How does the power of people play a role in "unsupported energy"?

The power of people is a crucial factor in "unsupported energy" as it relies on individuals and communities coming together to drive change. By harnessing the collective power of people, "unsupported energy" can create significant and lasting social impact.

What are the potential benefits of promoting and supporting "unsupported energy"?

Promoting and supporting "unsupported energy" can lead to a more diverse and inclusive approach to social change, as well as empowering individuals and communities to take ownership of the issues that affect them. It can also lead to more sustainable and long-term solutions to social problems.

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