2001 A Space Odyssey

Technological development is a dynamic process that has brings about constant change in which some individuals benefit and others are harmed. Like with most world changing phenomenon, it brings with it a host of ethical concerns about its influence in society and whether or not it deserves consciousness. Throughout his life, Arthur C. Clarke was fascinated with science and the stars, building his own telescope to view the stars as a child. He famously toasted with his friends during the V2 raids on London as it marked the beginning of the space age. While being optimistic about the future of technological advancements, Clarke understood the possible violent complications of technology, and he saw this first hand during his service in the RAF …show more content…
Throughout the novel 2001: A Space Odyssey, the onboard computer Hal is shown to be vital in performing the daily functions of the ship and is characterized as superior to his human coworkers. In his essay on the topic, Pfluger states, “The predominance of HAL, and the awe that he inspires in his merely human crew (and audience!) is of a piece with that worship of machinery that we see throughout 2001” (Pfluger). Hal achieves almost divine status among the crewmembers on the mission, as he is shown to be superior to all of the other human members of the crew. His superiority is used to confirm all the fears of Clarke’s contemporary readers, and, like Rama, portray humanity as inferior to technology. Clarke furthers his characterization of Hal through his domination in Chess, saying, “If Hal went all out, he could win any one of them; but that would be bad for morale” (Clarke 100). The game of chess is symbolic as it is a games that is both mundane as well as skill-based. Therefore, Hal’s domination in it shows technology's ability to dominate humanity in the realm of daily life as well as space exploration. In addition, the ability of Hal to choose whether or not to win is a symbol for technology’s power in the world as it can mean the difference between life in death. Both Hal and Rama showcase the supremacy …show more content…
In 2001: A Space Odyssey, Bowman returns to Earth after transforming into a higher being and the human reaction is to send “a slumbering cargo of death had awoken, and stirred sluggishly in its orbit. The feeble energies it contained were no possible menace to him; but he preferred a cleaner sky” (Clarke 236). By showcasing humanity’s violent reaction to Bowman’s peaceful entrance, Clarke is showing the natural tendency of humanity to use violence, as well as their inability to successfully use this violence, satirizing it. In addition, the imagery of the bomb moving “sluggishly” along with Bowman saying he “preferred a cleaner sky” connotes Bowman’s superiority as it does not take any effort for him to stop humanity’s mightiest weapons. Clarke includes this to satirize human technology, and, therefore, human hubris. Similarly, the Hermians chose to use violence against Rama, sending a nuclear warhead to destroy it as they saw it as a threat. Although the bomb is defused, the Hermians’ choice of action is ironic as Rama moves on without violence. Sharp comments on this, saying, “The foolishness of the belief that humans are at the center of the universe is underscored when it becomes clear that the spacecraft has entered Earth’s solar system in order to refuel” (Sharp 427). The hermians actions reflect on those of Clarke’s