Ask and Answer

[Aoren Deringer]

Feel it may happen, or it may not depending on the area and group in question. Don't particularly care, to be honest.
 
Thoughts on possible dystopian policies being implimented in the near future?

[ZombiezuRFER]

Unlikely, although desirable for a few, namely, the conspiracy theorists. That's when their overblown escapism becomes a reality.


Likeliness and thoughts on bioethical debates on consumption of animals if a species is "uplifted" to sapience?

[Aoren Deringer]

If we decide to "uplift" cattle, then we're already past the point of no return morally.
 
Is mathematics truly the only field that holds universal truths?

[ZombiezuRFER]

That and physics. There is no such thing as morality in the real world, but it is a useful character trait to have, and hence, why we evolved with it.


Why do you think uplifting cattle is immoral?

[Aoren Deringer]

Well, to answer that, let me ask you a question: if you suddenly woke up, in a lab somewhere. Completely sapient, and learned that your destiny, and indeed the destiny of every member of you species since time immemorial, is destined for no more than to be chemically altered and harvested without mercy, and that this will continue and the industry expand...
Would you not prefer to have remained unaware of your existence?

[ZombiezuRFER]

I would first have to learn of my existence. Uplifting nay animal means you have a sapient baby, not a sapient adult. They would first have to be taught concepts.
Also, under US and UK law I think, a person is defined as a sapient being, meaning that they have full personhood rights at birth.


Do you think it is important to respect the aspect of personhood beyond species?

[Aoren Deringer]

Yes I do, which is another reason why I believe purposefully elevating our primary food supply to that status is unwise.
 
What is your opinion on the elevation of livestock?

[ZombiezuRFER]

I'm more reptile inclined (naturally, being reptilocentric) so for the uplifting of a main food source, it would be a curious experiment that would have to be carried out in secret to prevent violent protests by organizations like PETA.


What species would you uplift?

[Aoren Deringer]

I dont know if I would elevate a species. Perhaps individual members, for experimentation and testing's sake, but little else.
 
Aside from reptiles, what would you elevate, if anything?

[ZombiezuRFER]

Aside from reptiles, which includes birds...
The humble Mimic Octopus. Such an intelligent creature, I think it makes a prime candidate, and could adapt easiest to sapience. The real question? How do we get them to communicate? Probably semi-solved with its "shapeshifting" abilities.


Oh, and I didn't mean uplifting an entire species, just pretty much which species you'd choose from.


What do you envision the future as being like?

[Aoren Deringer]

Take a look at Stalin's USSR, add in some tech, let the powers that be deny it all, change large-scale military power to segmentalised special operations units and you have the general idea.
 
Is the future bright, in your eyes?

[ZombiezuRFER]

Yes, and it certainly won't be communist. As far as I can see, the future is a second renaissance, this time focusing on the human body as opposed to the human "spirit."


Why do you think the future will be totalitarian communism?

[Aoren Deringer]

If you pay attention I never mentioned economic theory, but was rather referring to totalitarianism in the state. The USSR was merely a convinient example.
And because I feel that the more intelligent a race becomes, the more ideals and ideas, which are often conflicting, come into play. You run the risk of large nations balkanizing, which will invariably be resisted with force.  It would not surprise me if in the next ten to twenty generations (possibly sooner in some areas) the state will be the dominant force in the lives of all humans. Technology is useful, but we cant change so readily as to have it save us. (also excuse my spelling, my depth perception is a bit off and it would not surprise me if I missed a correction)
 
Why do you see the future as being so promising?

[ZombiezuRFER]

Well, if you're an atheist like me, you have everything to live for and nothing to die for.
Since I plan to actually be the guy that ushers in the singularity, its pretty much me bringing in all the major transhumanism technologies. Transhumans will pretty much end up like African people; despised by some, with growing acceptance. However, persecution will be far more volatile, but in far less numbers. Balkanization eventually happens to any country though, if it isn't conquered.


So what do you think?

[Aoren Deringer]

I think you're the first furry I've met who also wants to usher in the singularity.
Currently I'm studying to get my degree in biomedical engineering, once that's finished... I'll race you there!
 
Is purple an odd color for a shirt?