From: T0Morrow@aol.com
Date: Mon Jun 10 2002 - 23:00:58 MDT
Hal argues that the Extropian Principles counsel IP skepticism. But although
I largely agree with the substance of his position, I don't think that the
Extropian Principles dictate or even strongly suggest that outcome. He
writes, in relevant part:
>> Open Society --
>> Supporting social orders that foster freedom of speech, freedom of
>> action, and experimentation Opposing authoritarian social control
>> and favoring the rule of law and decentralization of power. . . .
. . .
>This suggests that we would favor a diversity of approaches to the
>problem. The ideal situation would be to have some groups which respect
>IP and others which do not. . . .
But that would on the face of it contradict that same Principle's call for
the rule of law. I realize that there are ways to argue around that apparent
contradiction; I mean here only to point out that the Principles are
sufficiently vague to permit a number of conclusions with regard to IP.
>> Self-Transformation --
>> Affirming continual moral, intellectual, and physical self-improvement,
>> through critical and creative thinking, personal responsibility, and
>> experimentation. Seeking biological and neurological augmentation
>> along with emotional and psychological refinement.
>
>As we move forward we need to think of our minds as being information
>processes. Whether we become uploads or augmented biological systems,
>we will have many new abilities to control and manipulate information.
>This seems likely to conflict with IP rights. . . .
Maybe. But advocates of strong IP are likely to counter by emphasizing that
same Principle's advocacy of creative thinking, and IP's traditional role in
stimulating creative thought.
Again, I largely agree with Hal's approach to IP. I just don't find very
convincing his argument that the Principles support that approach more than
any alternative one. And I take that as a feature, not a bug, of the
Principles.
T.0. Morrow
http://members.aol.com/t0morrow/T0Mpage.html
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