Hey guys. I'm in a philosophical mood and had an interesting idea for a controversial (but hopefully trolling-free) argument. Do you guys think that progress is always a good thing and there can never be to much of it, or do you think that humans need to pace ourselves a bit?
YES:
Argument 1: The more knowledge we have, the more we can get. The more knowledge we have, the better technology we have. Better tech leads to a better life for everyone. We're tantalizingly close to casual space travel, astoundingly advanced medicine, mentally controlled video games, laser-propelled spacecraft, glucose-powered electronics, the list goes on and on.
Argument 2: Our technological advancement is what seperates us from animals. If humanity is to reach an even higher state of awesomeness, we by definition need progress. We can't get any of the fun toys I mentioned without risking a bit of adventure into the unknown.
NO:
Argument 1: Humans are dangerous and we may not be able to handle new technology. At the pace we're going, our oceans and skies will be polluted to hell and, pretty-bad-case scenario, we blow each other to kingdom come with weapons we don't realize the full power of. If we can all just chill out and maybe take things a step back towards hunter-gathering (a la Fight Club) we'd probably be better off.
Argument 2" Other side of the other argument 2, religion, faith, and conscious emotion is what makes us human. If we focus on loving each other instead of trying to get ahead of everyone else, everyone is happy.
I'll add arguments as you post 'em and as I think of 'em. Religion definitely will play a part of this but let's keep it civil?
TL;DR
Can humanity as a species handle how fast we're advancing?
YES:
Argument 1: The more knowledge we have, the more we can get. The more knowledge we have, the better technology we have. Better tech leads to a better life for everyone. We're tantalizingly close to casual space travel, astoundingly advanced medicine, mentally controlled video games, laser-propelled spacecraft, glucose-powered electronics, the list goes on and on.
Argument 2: Our technological advancement is what seperates us from animals. If humanity is to reach an even higher state of awesomeness, we by definition need progress. We can't get any of the fun toys I mentioned without risking a bit of adventure into the unknown.
NO:
Argument 1: Humans are dangerous and we may not be able to handle new technology. At the pace we're going, our oceans and skies will be polluted to hell and, pretty-bad-case scenario, we blow each other to kingdom come with weapons we don't realize the full power of. If we can all just chill out and maybe take things a step back towards hunter-gathering (a la Fight Club) we'd probably be better off.
Argument 2" Other side of the other argument 2, religion, faith, and conscious emotion is what makes us human. If we focus on loving each other instead of trying to get ahead of everyone else, everyone is happy.
I'll add arguments as you post 'em and as I think of 'em. Religion definitely will play a part of this but let's keep it civil?
TL;DR
Can humanity as a species handle how fast we're advancing?