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Gaming the Future: The Book!

Month: January 2004

Caltech lecture by Crichton on "consensus science"

Those objecting to MNT often cite a "consensus" against it. Despite authoring scary sf stories such as Prey, a nanotech/AI horror tale, Michael Crichton understands the core values of science better than some prominent scientists, as he showed in this lecture at Caltech about the dangers of "consensus science":"I regard consensus science as an extremely pernicious development that ought to be stopped cold in its tracks. Historically, the claim of consensus has been the first refuge of scoundrels; it is a way to avoid debate by claiming that the matter is already settled. Whenever you hear the consensus of scientists agrees on something or other, reach for your wallet, because you're being had. Let's be clear: the work of science has nothing whatever to do with consensus. Consensus is the business of politics…In addition, let me remind you that the track record of the consensus is nothing to be proud of." Also worth reading is his essay on molecular nanotechnology.

Researcher Focus: Deepak Srivastava, NASA Ames

First in a series of stories highlighting specific MNT researchers: see the work of Deepak Srivastava, a past chair of the Foresight Conference on Molecular Nanotechnology, and now the point of contact for the NASA Ames Nanotechnology Team. His research interests include molecular machines and mechanosynthesis, and he was a co-recipient of the 1997 Foresight Institute Feynman Prize (Theory). See the videos produced by his group. (From his time as conference chair, I can testify that he is a delight to work with. Pronounce his name 'dee pahk sree VAHS tah vah'. –CP)

Organic chemist fears being "invented out of a job" by MNT

Organic chemist Derek Lowe, PhD, gives a chemist's view of molecular nanotechnology: "As a chemist, I've more than a passing interest in this field. Nanotechnology is chemistry, through and through. It's done (going to be done, I should say, if Drexler's right) by other means than the ones I'm used to, but it's atoms and bonds all the way. As a solution-phase classical organic chemist, I look on the advent of what Drexler calls "machine-phase" synthesis with equal parts anticipation and dread. The dread isn't because of some looming catastrophe, just the fear that I'll eventually be invented out of a job."
So that's why they object so much…–CP

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