Forging Apocalypse

Term Paper # 113677

Biology > Biotechnology
Computer and Technology
Physics > Matter and Energy

Forging Apocalypse

Looks at literature and science to evaluate if humans are forging an apocalypse.

2,090 words () | 14 sources | MLA | 2009 United States

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that humanity's ability to control its environment and the creatures within it gave it the chance to create civilization and culture; however, man's technological advances may be the cause of its downfall or apocalypse. To find support for this premise, the author reviews Philip K. Dick's novel, "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?". The paper argues that AI (Artificial Intelligence), robotics, nanotechnology and nanomedicine may be the next step towards progress; however, the author concludes that the future is still blurry.

From the Paper:

"People have already started to create self-replicating programs used to wreak havoc on our computer networks called computer viruses. A computer virus is a program that can replicate itself from file to file, alter programs, and even steal information. The "Pakastani Brain" virus, discovered in 1986 is believed to be the first computer virus. Although computer viruses are fabricated, they do possess many of the criteria we use to classify living organisms: self-reproduction, information storage for reproduction, metabolism, functional interaction with its environment."

Sample of Sources Used:

Bainsbridge, William Sims. Nanoconvergance: The Unity of Nanoscience, Biotechnology, Information Technology, and Cognitive Science. Indiana: Prentice Hall, 2007.
Cambell, Neil A., Jane B. Reece, Lisa A. Urry, Michael L. Cain, Steven A. Wasserman, Peter V. Minorsky, and Robert B. Jackson. Biology. 8th ed. San Francisco: Pearson Education, 2008.
Graham-Rowe, Duncan. "The Variety of Present-Day Robots." Contemporary Issues Companion: Artificial Intelligence. Ed. Sylvia Engdahl. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2007. Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center. Gale. Orange Coast College Library. 26 Mar. 2009 <http://find.galegroup.com/ovrc/ infomark.do?&contentSet=GSRC&type=retrieve&tabID=T010&prodId=OVRC& docId=EJ3010493206&source=gale&srcprod=OVRC&userGroupName=occc_ma in&version=1.0>.
Hosken, Graeme, Michael Schmidt, and Johan Du Plessis. "9 Killed in Army Horror." IOL 13 Oct. 2007. 24 Mar. 2009 <http://www.iol.co.za/ index.php?click_id=13&set_id=1&art_id=vn20071013080 449804C939465>.
Jones, Richard A.L. Soft Machines: Nanotechnology and Life. New York: Oxford University Press, 2004.