In the magazine article “Live Forever” by Raymond Kurzweil he predicts that the rapid advancement of technology will lead to being able to upload the human conscious into a virtual reality that can be controlled with the mind. This will become possible by allowing billions of nanobots into our bodies, allowing us to upload our knowledge, memories, and insights. Kurzweil believes this could lead to eternal life or to “live forever.” Although there are clearly dangers with the rapid advancement of technology, this is the inevitable evolution of mankind (325-329). Kurzweil’s main claim is that with the rapid advancement of technology will lead to the further blending of human and machine. This blending is necessary for us to continue to evolve.
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Kurzweil’s intended audience was likely to be educated adults who probably be affected by this technology when it becomes available. Some of the evidence Kurzweil used included a large amount of facts, such as the rapid growth of computer capabilities from 1910 to 1950, and from 1950 to 1966 (325). Another example of the facts he used is when he mentions that scientists are currently able to control the movements of a living leech with a computer (327). He also explains the abilities of current scanning machines (326). Another form of evidence Kurzweil used to support his claim was his testimony. He is very optimistic about these advances, and believes this is the next step of human evolution. “Still I regard the freeing of the human mind from its severe physical limitations as a necessary step in evolution” (329). He also mentions this technology could be seen as a “spiritual quest” …show more content…
However, neither of them are actually in Paris, but a virtual reality created in their minds. Later on in the scenario he goes on to say that Winston’s physical body had actually died. His consciousness was uploaded onto a computer though, so he is still able to talk to Nellie and go to business meetings without a physical body (325). Kurzweil says hypothetically we could meet with our loved ones and friends no matter how busy we are or how far away with this virtual reality technology. He uses an anecdote and mentions having a deaf friend who can now hear due to a cochlear implant (326). He uses this as an example of how machine and human already blending and advancing together. Another example of how our technology is advancing was an allusion to a death row inmate that allowed his body to be scanned and uploaded onto the internet. Kurzweil appeals to need when he mentions how with this technology we will be able to connect to people. “So instead of phoning a friend, you can meet in a virtual Italian bistro or stroll down a tropical beach, and it will all seem real” (327). He appeals to people’s need for closeness with loved ones when he suggests that distance will no longer prohibit time spent with another person. He also appeals to this need when he points out that our consciousness could potentially achieve immortality, so in his scenario mentioned
Kurzweil’s intended audience was likely to be educated adults who probably be affected by this technology when it becomes available. Some of the evidence Kurzweil used included a large amount of facts, such as the rapid growth of computer capabilities from 1910 to 1950, and from 1950 to 1966 (325). Another example of the facts he used is when he mentions that scientists are currently able to control the movements of a living leech with a computer (327). He also explains the abilities of current scanning machines (326). Another form of evidence Kurzweil used to support his claim was his testimony. He is very optimistic about these advances, and believes this is the next step of human evolution. “Still I regard the freeing of the human mind from its severe physical limitations as a necessary step in evolution” (329). He also mentions this technology could be seen as a “spiritual quest” …show more content…
However, neither of them are actually in Paris, but a virtual reality created in their minds. Later on in the scenario he goes on to say that Winston’s physical body had actually died. His consciousness was uploaded onto a computer though, so he is still able to talk to Nellie and go to business meetings without a physical body (325). Kurzweil says hypothetically we could meet with our loved ones and friends no matter how busy we are or how far away with this virtual reality technology. He uses an anecdote and mentions having a deaf friend who can now hear due to a cochlear implant (326). He uses this as an example of how machine and human already blending and advancing together. Another example of how our technology is advancing was an allusion to a death row inmate that allowed his body to be scanned and uploaded onto the internet. Kurzweil appeals to need when he mentions how with this technology we will be able to connect to people. “So instead of phoning a friend, you can meet in a virtual Italian bistro or stroll down a tropical beach, and it will all seem real” (327). He appeals to people’s need for closeness with loved ones when he suggests that distance will no longer prohibit time spent with another person. He also appeals to this need when he points out that our consciousness could potentially achieve immortality, so in his scenario mentioned