I want to address the concept of humanism and its utopian logic. I want to argue that technology may have us closer to this “utopian” idea than we acknowledged in class the other day. As Jesse said, “The problem with Utopia is that everyone’s utopia is different.” This means that in Utopia, interaction would be different than it is here in this world. Each individual would need their own little sphere to fill as they may please. Let’s say we have two individuals to illustrate the necessity of separate spheres. Say individual #1 wants to be alone on an island with the love of his life, which he messed things up with and divorced in the real world. Individual #2’s idea of utopia is being alone on this same island with the same lover who is #1’s love of his life. With separate spheres and transient selfless beings this may be possible. I think these separate spheres, or at least the transient being, are necessary for Utopia in any domain.
Now virtual reality presents the possibility of these separate spheres. Each individual has their own little room, with their own blueprint or program. Sensors placed on the body give it the sensory experience. Every individual can have what they desire with an experience so encompassing, that you forget it is artificial. In this spectrum both individuals could have what they wanted.
I do not believe in Utopia on earth. I am still undecided on Utopia as a concept. Gaining everything you desire, want, or need does not guarantee happiness. But this idea of Utopia, presented by humanity, is becoming obtainable by the inventions of humanity. The flaw is with the original concept, not necessarily the means to obtain it.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
2 comments:
Thank you for your comment! What you said is exactly what I was trying to get across to everyone in class ... that poetry is more of a free association than anything having to do with structure and rhyme. I chose the article because it was somewhat controversial and because I knew everyone would have a strong opinion on the matter. Also, I write poetry, and thought it would be interesting to read something on the topic of using it in teaching. I rarely (if ever) rhyme in my poetry. Anyway, I thought the idea was interesting as well. Whether it would work or not (a little like the concept of Utopia you mentioned) is unclear.
Wow, Mike. This is deep stuff. I am very interested in this idea of an individual utopia through the use of VR. I guess the big question I have that we have to give up something to gain something else. That is, it is the principle of economics - we give up something to gain something else. So I wonder: what is it that we give up when we get this invidividual VR utopia?
Post a Comment