Envision Darker Scenarios

Flying cars are everywhere… large regions of the earth are under transparent domes with controlled weather… elsewhere, single buildings rise miles into the sky… huge areas of the ocean are covered with solar cells… tiny cameras watch everyone everywhere all the time, making sure crime does not pay…

In the near future, each of these visions will become possible. They could become reality. But will they? And should they?

That's the opening of my latest Future Brief essay, titled "Dark Visions of a Fantastic Future." Here is the final paragraph:

Visions of a fantastic future could come true in our lifetimes. As we dream of the wonderful possibilities, we should take care also to envision darker scenarios. Because unless we can prevent the worst of the dangers—and there are many—we will deny ourselves any hope of realizing the benefits.

If you read the rest of it -- and I hope you will! -- please leave a comment at the Future Brief site.

Mike Treder

Tags: nanotechnology nanotech nano science technology ethics weblog blog