From: Lee Corbin (lcorbin@tsoft.com)
Date: Thu May 23 2002 - 09:34:33 MDT
Charlie Stross writes
> An extropian tyranny, enforced from without in accordance with
> the usual parameters of a tyrannical system, wouldn't be content
> with mere physical compliance.
Excuse me, but who is advocating as desirable a tyranny of
some kind, that you're calling an "extropian tyranny"?
That phrase is almost an oxymoron. I mean the question
seriously, as I have not been able to read every post.
I'm sure that you do not have in mind those of us who
*worry* about what an AI might do, or what the Singularity
will bring. Perhaps you are referring to Eliezer's proposal
for an AI that would take over and enforce Friendliness?
Well, I am bothered too by its need to regulate what
happens in people's private spaces, but surely you realize
that his advocacy of that is mostly to head off much worse
scenarios.
> The flip side of uploading as a viable procedure is
> downloading, and could well be abused to give new meaning
> to the phrase "the Stalin in your soul".
Very true! That's why it *must* be discussed now, regardless
of how unsettling it is.
> If you feel any kind of aversion to this possibility, you want to think
> very hard about mixing coercion with extropian ideas. Before it's too late.
Yes, we must oppose coercion of any kind. Liberty and freedom
must be our watchwords, and we must strive as best we can to
ensure their future viability.
Lee Corbin
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