Technopoly

For this week, I want you to read this chapter from Neil Postman's Technopoly.  As you read the chapter, consider how it relates to Brave New World.  For one thing, how does Postman define the concept of a technopoly?  How does it differ from a technocracy?  And how does Frederick Winslow Taylor fit into the discussion?

Basically, the idea is to explain how this reading provides a lens for understanding Brave New World a little better.  Nonetheless, you might also discuss how Postman's outlook differs from Ray Kurzweil's.  That, too, would be interesting.

In order to receive credit you HAVE TO quote from Postman's chapter.  However, quoting from Brave New world is a bonus as well.  The length should still be 300 words.  Due Monday (10/3) by class time.

The Brave New Singularity

For this week's posting, I want you to consider the concept of the Singularity as it relates to Brave New World.  In Chapter 6, Bernard seems to feel that the human/machine interface is an unhappy state of affairs.  He wants to achieve some sort of "authentic" existence.  Take this into consideration as you read this article on the Singularity.  (I've provided a link).  What do you think about the concepts presented in the article?  About man's supposed eventual merging with technology?  Is this a bad thing?  A good thing?  Does is make us less authentically human?  What does is mean to be authentically human?  Do you feel that Bernard is just being romantic, believing that there is some pristine state of existence that man can achieve?  Or do you think that Bernard is onto something--and that we are in danger of losing our essential humanity as technology continues to progress?  (Note that some folks, according to the article, believe that we will be able to overcome death and aging.)

Try to draw parallels between the article and the novel in your writing.  For the sake of this assignment, you MUST quote from the article if you want to receive credit.  However, I also encourage you to quote from Brave New World (bonus points!).  Finally, your posting should also be at least 300 words.

P.S. There are some links within the article that you may want to follow.  A particularly interesting one will take you to a Youtube video where Kurzweil invented a computer in the 1950s that could write music.  Check it out.

Also, don't hesitate to include pictures, videos, and links in your own posting.  In fact, it is recommended.  Multi-modal composition is a good thing.