Monday, February 4, 2013

Group 2 Case 6


Today's case was focussed on the topic of memory mapping technology. The author puzzles over the idea of a perfect memory and whether or not it should be sought after. McGee quotes several authors on their opinions of memory and its effects on the human experience. The majority of this case seems to be McGee's opinion of the process of applying technology to the mind. I found this to be disappointing because I hoping to learn more about this technology.

Personally I think that the combination of computer technology and the human mind is extremely exciting and I hope that I get to experience it soon. In my experience technological advances have improved my life and my educational progress. Being able to access information quickly, through the internet, has made my work more productive. I can only imagine that having access to my own memories and possibly other information will benefit me greatly.

Our group discussion in class focussed on what effect technology in your mind would have on you. Cas was interested in whether having a technological mind might effect a person's artistic side. Nick commented that the mind can only process so much information at once, so could this technology be overwhelming. I was curious as to whether or not you would be able to access this while  you were asleep. If so, would this change human existence? Could future generations be productive while they sleep?

The logistics of this technology was also in question. People were curious about the form this idea might take. Would there be something installed in the mind or would the mind itself be the equipment.

5 comments:

  1. The idea of memory mapping that was discussed in case 6 was very intriguing to me, but also somewhat overwhelming. I do not think the technology we have now is capable of taking on a task as large as placing a hard drive within the human mind. There are so many questions still unanswered about this new type of technology. After discussing this case in class I still agree with McGee when he said, "But before the interface becomes my identity, I'd like it to be just a bit more refined."

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  2. I agree with Alex. The idea sounds great if we were able to retrieve information with a simple "search" of our brain. Granted that I probably wouldn't get too see such technology in my lifetime. I believe that we as a generation are already dependent on technology such as smartphones. As for myself, I couldn't have accomplished the things I have done the past few years without such technology. With that being said, I welcome the idea of having the ability to recall/store information within my personal "chip".

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  3. another point to be made is by being able to process information on demand and not truly having to "learn" anything will humanity have the desire to create/invent anymore? will we become so entrenched in instant download (ala The Matrix movie where Neo plugs in and learns Kung Fu) that we fail to think outside the box and find new ways to see/do things? and what if only certain people are implanted with this technology, will we have a society of haves vs have not's? if the have's become so intertwined with with the tech will the have not's be able to hack into the system and control the have's as retribution? placing so much outside influence into the central part of a human being leaves many doors for others to control anyone "infected" with this kind of technology. we already have the means to access the vast wealth of human knowledge through external appliances (smart phones, computer, etc) that placing a device into our brain carries more risks than possible rewards.

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  4. HAHA! I just had another thought about this. If we have internet in our brains we would be able to read each other’s thoughts through brain texting!!!
    And the scary part to me would be.... not whether my brain would be hacked... but when?!?
    :)

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  5. I agree with what Nick Barlow has to say. What would be the point of life anymore? To me life is to live haha. Though I don't fathom this technology being possible. Would YOU even be YOU anymore? The 'id' is everything you know yourself to be from a philosophical point of view. Even if 'hacking' was possible, why would anyone that intelligent do so other than to just cause chaos. Integrating technology with the human body (cyborg) I see is a long road that a lot of people would not want to be a part of.

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