As usual, the author forgets the most logical utopia of all, directly linked to the objective observation of the civilizing process thus far: the control of aggression in humans and the promotion of efficient cooperation.
Any logical and objective observer (for example, an AI) can realize that the civilizing process (which not long ago Steven Pinker revived as a concept from the all-too-forgotten Norbert Elías) consists of the development of cultural instruments to control the aggressive instinct that exists in humans… as in all higher mammals. These cultural instruments are usually commonly used ethical conceptions (symbols) internalized in the individual’s psyche through strong emotional ties. The process of “internalizing” these symbologies (such as human rights, for example) has been driven, so far, by the historical chance of social change.
The utopia would be for such a process to occur in an intentional and organized manner, which requires neither sophisticated robots nor great achievements in computer programming. It only requires breaking down prejudices: the old wisdom.
As usual, the author forgets the most logical utopia of all, directly linked to the objective observation of the civilizing process thus far: the control of aggression in humans and the promotion of efficient cooperation.
Any logical and objective observer (for example, an AI) can realize that the civilizing process (which not long ago Steven Pinker revived as a concept from the all-too-forgotten Norbert Elías) consists of the development of cultural instruments to control the aggressive instinct that exists in humans… as in all higher mammals. These cultural instruments are usually commonly used ethical conceptions (symbols) internalized in the individual’s psyche through strong emotional ties. The process of “internalizing” these symbologies (such as human rights, for example) has been driven, so far, by the historical chance of social change.
The utopia would be for such a process to occur in an intentional and organized manner, which requires neither sophisticated robots nor great achievements in computer programming. It only requires breaking down prejudices: the old wisdom.