Why the Future Doesn’t Need Us

To complete your fifth essay, please write a three- to five-page (600-900 word) response to the following question:

In “Why the Future Doesn’t Need Us” (pp. 285-301), Bill Joy expresses a powerful pessimism about the dangers of technologies that may be developed later in our century. Joy also a muted optimism about humans’ ability to use ethical principles to avoid those dangers. What are Joy’s best reasons for being pessimistic? What are his strongest reasons for expressing optimism? As you consider the relative strengths and weaknesses of those reasons, explain whether and why you find yourself more pessimistic or more optimistic about the issues that Joy raises.