Nye & Vicente

I chose to read the last chapter in the David Nye book, its called “Not just one future”. He says, “We need to consider the questions that technology raises because we have many possible futures, some far less attractive than others.” (Nye 226) Throughout the chapter he explains the positive and negative effects technology will have on our future.

I feel like this chapter relates to Vicente’s chapter “The Human Factor”. I like it relates so much because Nye talks about global warming and humans are definitely a factor in this happening. “Most people refuse to believe that there are imminent limits to growth and do not fear global warming.” (Nye 214) I think if humans were knowledge it would help. However, a part of me still believes that even if people knew they wouldn’t care because society as became so greedy with getting the newest technology that they don’t care of the effects it has on the environment. “By ‘we’, I do mean everyone, because no one is immune to environmental degradation.” (Vicente 26) This is just one of the futures that Nye brings up in his chapter.

Nye also brings up a good point by saying, “It cannot easily be separated from social evolution, for the use of tools stretches back millennia, long before the invention of writing. It is hard to imagine a culture that is pre-technological or a future that is post technological.” (Nye 210) I think by this he is just saying the technology is a part of evolution; it is a part of all of us. Of course, our future is going to be a technological one, it isn’t possible to just stop technology now. I think Vicente would agree with this. He says, “Never before in the history of human civilization have we so quickly amassed so much knowledge of science, mathematics and engineering, and never before have we seen such tremendous advances in technology.” (Vicente 14) I think this shows Vicente agreeing with Nye because as we humans gain more knowledge it just goes hand in hand with technology. Having more knowledge lets new greater inventions to made.

I like how both Nye and Vicente end their chapters, it leads you wondering about technology and where it is going. I feel like Nye is saying its up to you, you get to have your own opinion of it but whether or not you agree technology is going to continue to grow. “By refusing to let any ensemble of objects define our world as already given, we can continue to choose how technology matters.” (Nye 226) Vicente takes the approach saying that since technology is advancing everything else is going to go down hill, it forces his readers to question if he is right or not. “Technology—with all its promise and potential—has gotten so far beyond human control that it’s threatening the future of humankind.” (Vicente 28) Technology has a lot of positive and negative effects but its up to you to decide which one outweighs the other.