Will Future Technologies Like Replicators and Holodecks Change Society?

AI Thread Summary
Star Trek: The Next Generation and its newer series showcase advanced technologies like replicators and holodecks, sparking discussions about the future of science and society. As technology matures, the potential for limitless energy and food could reshape economic structures and power dynamics. This could lead to two societal paths: a hedonistic lifestyle or a drive for societal contribution, likely resulting in a mix of both attitudes. The original vision of Star Trek suggested a future without money, where fulfillment comes from accomplishment rather than material wealth. Current technological advancements, such as diagnostic beds and translation devices, hint at the realization of some Star Trek concepts, while the desire for innovations like replicators remains strong.
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Recall in Star Trek the next generation and of the new series, they use replicators and holodecks.

Many science degrees work hard in all fields of knowledge.
In the future technology will mature and that kind of science may be real.

How do you think society will react this scientific technology?
 
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Some people will be rather annoyed. Star Trek is a vision of the future where science and technology has provided almost limitless energy and almost limitless food supplies. These are the two fundamental things that drive the economy and the two things that give people power over other people.

The population can then go one of two ways. They could become lazy and hedonistic as in brave new world, or they could be driven by a desire to contribute to society. Most likely there will be a mixture of both.
 
Kurdt said:
Some people will be rather annoyed. Star Trek is a vision of the future where science and technology has provided almost limitless energy and almost limitless food supplies. These are the two fundamental things that drive the economy and the two things that give people power over other people.

The population can then go one of two ways. They could become lazy and hedonistic
That's what I'm waiting for!
 
HallsofIvy said:
That's what I'm waiting for!

Yeah, if only these damned scientists would pull their finger out. :smile:
 
By Roddenberry's original vision, money wouldn't exist in ST's era. Notice that it is never mentioned (other than away missions) until those pesky Ferengi showed up. Everyone had full access to anything that s/he wanted, and worked for the feeling of accomplishment. It does make me wonder why anyone would voluntarily don that red shirt...
 
NEVER the red shirt!
I was wishing to see more inventions in my life time, those inventors better get to stepping!
 
We're not too far off with some of them. The diagnostic beds... got 'em (albeit with physical connections to the patient). Universal translator... we have pocket organizers that can translate about a dozen languages, although you have to input it as text. Geordi's VISOR (capitalized because it's an acronym)... there are optical implants than can allow a blind person to 'see' to a very limited extent.
All that remains is to makes the rules of 'Fisbin' universally available.
 
You could probably do a PhD in the rules of fisbin (or fizzbin).
 
My wife would give my left nut for a replicator. I suppose she could then replicate me a new one. ouch.
 
  • #10
Your wife must be a Conservative. I'd give both of yours for one... :rolleyes:
 

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