The Computer An Artificial Utility

a reply to: ketsuko

What if you ever needed to know those things because you didn't have access to technology or the specialized networks we enjoy?

I have considered this, particularly in the event of an EMP and I have began printing pdfs with apocalyptic scenario survival info such as medicinal(diagnosis, treatment and also medicinal plants info), structure building, food (plant ID)sources, trapping, energy sources/techniques, cleaning water, clothing etc..

originally posted by: Aazadan
a reply to: DBCowboy

How is technology not an evolution? I would argue that technology occurs when we have a problem to solve (a stress). And technology manifests within a couple years, not thousands as evolution requires.

Our tools have gotten better, we haven't evolved.

originally posted by: DBCowboy

originally posted by: Aazadan
a reply to: DBCowboy

How is technology not an evolution? I would argue that technology occurs when we have a problem to solve (a stress). And technology manifests within a couple years, not thousands as evolution requires.

Our tools have gotten better, we haven't evolved.

But we no longer lick ourselves clean.

Surely that's a sign we've evolved, no ?



Okay, maybe only some of us have stopped using our tongues as a wash cloth...

a reply to: CranialSponge

Canadians have a poutine gland, so are they even considered humans?

(translate to Canadian)

Caunaudians hauve a poutine glaund, sou aure theuy eveun counsideured humauns?

a reply to: DBCowboy

It makes us Homo Superior, while you bottom feeders are just Sapiens

a reply to: Autorico

What was that all aboot, eh?

a reply to: ketsuko

Hush Sap!

a reply to: DBCowboy

(translate to Canadian)

Caunaudians hauve a poutine glaund, sou aure theuy eveun counsideured humauns?

Thaunks.

I waus counfused there faur a minute and wasn't sure whaut you were saying.



Yes, we hauve a poutine glaund... but we ounly use it when we feel uander threat from oure foes, kinda like chat clauws.

How aboot that eh ?!

a reply to: DBCowboy

Do we need computers? Of course not. Humanity has been basically the same for what 10-25-50 thousand years. We just have shiny-er new toys to make our lives easier. Man, like everything in the universe, takes the path of least resistance. "Oh, I can make my life easier? Sign me up!"

If the computers on Earth stopped, life as we know it would end. I think people under estimate how much of our life is supported by computers.

originally posted by: roadgravel
If the computers on Earth stopped, life as we know it would end. I think people under estimate how much of our life is supported by computers.

Isn't that dangerous to be dependent on something so tenuous?

a reply to: roadgravel

Agree completely. Life "as we know it" would come to a grinding, screeching halt. Life, in and of itself, would continue on. Until it couldn't anymore.

originally posted by: DBCowboy

originally posted by: roadgravel
If the computers on Earth stopped, life as we know it would end. I think people under estimate how much of our life is supported by computers.

Isn't that dangerous to be dependent on something so tenuous?

Could be. Do we go back and have mankind kill a good portion of itself in fights over food and shelter and who knows what else.

a reply to: roadgravel

Burning witches might be kinda fun.

originally posted by: DBCowboy

originally posted by: roadgravel
If the computers on Earth stopped, life as we know it would end. I think people under estimate how much of our life is supported by computers.

Isn't that dangerous to be dependent on something so tenuous?

One could say the same thing about electricity, since it's become such an important and necessary part of our lives.

Do we need computers (or electricity)? No, but we've adapted to live with it, just like anything else. It's here and serves a very valuable, and convenient, purpose, especially concerning the instantaneous relay of information in almost real time. Therefore, it should be preserved.

Do we *need* cars, cell phones, phones, airplanes, etc? No. But they are technological advances that now serve a purpose, for good of ill.

ETA:

We should all learn to survive without it, but many can't. Because society.

originally posted by: roadgravel

originally posted by: DBCowboy

originally posted by: roadgravel
If the computers on Earth stopped, life as we know it would end. I think people under estimate how much of our life is supported by computers.

Isn't that dangerous to be dependent on something so tenuous?

Could be. Do we go back and have mankind kill a good portion of itself in fights over food and shelter and who knows what else.

If I was on a tightrope, I'd always have a backup in case I fell or the rope broke.

I have to wonder, how many have a backup plan if the rope breaks?

a reply to: DBCowboy

Can you survive a few months with a no where near reliable food supply and raiders at your door? Your most likely not driving off to some other place.

originally posted by: roadgravel
a reply to: DBCowboy

Can you survive a few months with a no where near reliable food supply and raiders at your door? Your most likely not driving off to some other place.

Nah. Realistically, I'd probably die off early. I'm too old and tired to play "Road Warrior".

But I'd take a bunch of the bastards out with me.

originally posted by: DBCowboy

originally posted by: roadgravel
a reply to: DBCowboy

Can you survive a few months with a no where near reliable food supply and raiders at your door? Your most likely not driving off to some other place.

Nah. Realistically, I'd probably die off early. I'm too old and tired to play "Road Warrior".

But I'd take a bunch of the bastards out with me.

i would probably be on your team also. I would give it a whirl first though.

originally posted by: Edumakated
Computers in some ways have actually made us dumber. It causes your mind to atrophy imho. Yes, the conveniences of having information at your fingertips are invaluable, but at the same time it makes us really vulnerable and unable to function without a computer.

That very same argument was used about reading. Learning used to be about memorizing. It sharpened the mind. But educators in the 1500's became concerned because of the advent of cheap books. Students were no longer memorizing. They were READING! So the fear was their minds were atrophying because they relied on books to store knowledge rather than their brains. Yes, the conveniences of having information at your fingertips are invaluable, but at the same time it makes us really vulnerable and unable to function without books.