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Kali Yuga · 02-18-2011, 05:16 PM

Thanks for the Friday afternoon technobabble.

A new technical ability to do perform an action does not, in any way shape or form, create a moral framework in which that action is permissible. It is physically possible for me to wander around and terminate the lives of a dozen people with a handgun and a big clip of ammo, far easier than if I was limited to simple melee weapons. Obviously, gaining this capability does not grant me the right to do so.

And, of course, the idea that the world will be a better place, that corporate interests will all evaporate, and that life will be full of puppies and glitter all thanks to Wondrous Technology, is slightly ridiculous.

For example, new technology gives governments and corporations unprecedented tracking and monitoring capabilities. Citizens may "burst" with an "unfettered desire for knowledge" -- about Snooki's hair and Lindsey Lohan's tastes in courtroom clothing. 12 year old kids may be willing to write about their first experiences with alcohol, without realizing those words are public and cannot be purged from the public domain.

And copyright is essentially the same thing it was 5, 10, or 20 years ago: A social contract which is enforced by laws. Making those laws easy to violate doesn't necessarily mean that doing so is valid, ethical or completely devoid of consequences....

02-18-2011, 05:16 PM	#5
Kali Yuga Professional Contrarian Posts: 2,045 Karma: 3289631 Join Date: Mar 2009 Device: Kindle 4 No Touchie	Thanks for the Friday afternoon technobabble. A new technical ability to do perform an action does not, in any way shape or form, create a moral framework in which that action is permissible. It is physically possible for me to wander around and terminate the lives of a dozen people with a handgun and a big clip of ammo, far easier than if I was limited to simple melee weapons. Obviously, gaining this capability does not grant me the right to do so. And, of course, the idea that the world will be a better place, that corporate interests will all evaporate, and that life will be full of puppies and glitter all thanks to Wondrous Technology, is slightly ridiculous. For example, new technology gives governments and corporations unprecedented tracking and monitoring capabilities. Citizens may "burst" with an "unfettered desire for knowledge" -- about Snooki's hair and Lindsey Lohan's tastes in courtroom clothing. 12 year old kids may be willing to write about their first experiences with alcohol, without realizing those words are public and cannot be purged from the public domain. And copyright is essentially the same thing it was 5, 10, or 20 years ago: A social contract which is enforced by laws. Making those laws easy to violate doesn't necessarily mean that doing so is valid, ethical or completely devoid of consequences....