Kevin Kelly's "What Technology Wants" is a thought-provoking exploration of the trajectory of technology and its interplay with human society. The text delves into the nature, evolution, and future of technology. He presents the idea of technology as an extension of the evolutionary process, a kind of "seventh kingdom" of life, which he dubs the "technium."
Kelly's portrayal of the "technium" as an almost living, evolving entity is innovative. It provides a fresh lens through which to view the development and impact of technology on our world. He masterfully weaves historical anecdotes and analyses into his narrative, making the case that technology has its desires and tendencies, which, in turn, shape human civilization.
Instead of looking at technology as merely tools or gadgets, Kelly considers the interconnectedness of various technological systems, the cultural shifts they engender, and the ethical considerations they present. Kelly's outlook on the future of technology is largely optimistic. He argues that technology, despite its challenges and setbacks, has overall led to a betterment of the human condition.
NOTE: The notion that technology "wants" something can be misleading. While Kelly uses this as a metaphor, some readers might find the anthropomorphic language to oversimplify complex systems and processes. At times, the book's ambitious scope can make its arguments feel stretched or superficial in certain areas. Kelly's view leans heavily towards technological determinism, which is the belief that technology drives social change. Some critics argue that this perspective downplays human agency and choice in shaping technological development.
Kelly's concept of the technium describes the interconnected web of technology, culture, and systems with its tendencies and trajectories. He suggests that certain technological developments are inevitable given the trajectory of previous innovations.
To fully grasp Kevin Kelly's concept of the "technium" as the "seventh kingdom," one must first understand the foundational classification of life forms into six distinct kingdoms.
The Traditional Six Kingdoms
- **Animals**: Multicellular organisms that are typically characterized by their mobility and ingestion of organic material.
- **Plants**: Multicellular organisms that are primarily stationary and produce their own food through photosynthesis.
- **Fungi**: Organisms that decompose and absorb organic matter, including mushrooms, yeasts, and molds.
- **Protists**: Mostly single-celled organisms that can have characteristics of animals, plants, or fungi, and include entities like algae and amoebas.
- **Archaea**: Single-celled organisms that can survive in extreme environments, differing from bacteria in their genetic makeup and the composition of their cellular membranes and walls.
- **Bacteria**: Single-celled organisms without a nucleus, present almost everywhere and can be beneficial (like those in the human gut) or harmful (pathogens).
The Seventh Kingdom - The Technium
In essence, by juxtaposing the technium as a "seventh kingdom" alongside the six biological ones, Kevin Kelly offers a profound perspective on the intricate relationship between humans and technology. He challenges us to view technology not merely as isolated tools but as part of a vast, evolving ecosystem intertwined with the very fabric of human existence.
He describes the technium as an autonomous evolutionary system, a vast interconnected network of technology, culture, and systems. Just as organisms in the biological kingdoms evolve, so too does technology within the technium.
The technium is not just a collection of individual technologies but an ecosystem where each innovation, idea, and tool is interconnected. They feed off and give rise to one another in a complex web, often leading to unforeseen advancements. Kelly posits that just as living organisms have tendencies driven by their DNA and environmental influences, the technium has its own inherent biases and propensities. For instance, certain technological advancements seem almost inevitable, given the trajectory of prior innovations.
The technium doesn't evolve in isolation. Humans and the technium coevolve. As we shape and mold technology, it, in turn, shapes our societies, behaviors, and even our biology. This dynamic interplay is central to Kelly's thesis, as he explores how technology influences human evolution and vice versa.
Within this seventh kingdom, there arise numerous moral and ethical challenges. As the technium evolves, society grapples with questions about autonomy, dependency, and the moral considerations of creating technologies that can profoundly change the human experience. Kelly suggests that the technium has reached a point where it's a self-amplifying system. Innovations within this kingdom now often pave the way for subsequent advancements, creating a feedback loop of accelerated growth.
Thus concept of the "seventh kingdom" is a bold and expansive reframing of how we view technology. Instead of seeing technologies as isolated tools or inventions, he invites us to consider them as part of a grander, evolving ecosystem with its own tendencies, biases, and trajectories. This perspective challenges traditional notions and encourages a holistic understanding of the profound interplay between humans and the technological world they've birthed.
Ethical and Moral Considerations Explored in the Book
Kelly does not shy away from addressing the profound ethical and moral challenges that arise as technology advances. His examination spans a range of technological domains, offering readers a comprehensive look into the dilemmas faced by society.
Kelly delves into the transformative potential of AI, discussing the implications of machines that can think, learn, and even possess emotions. He raises questions about responsibility: If an AI commits a harmful act, who is to blame? Additionally, he contemplates the potential loss of jobs due to automation and the deeper philosophical issue of what it means to be sentient.
The capability to modify and design life at the genetic level carries immense promise but also significant ethical concerns. Kelly grapples with questions of playing 'God', the rights of genetically modified organisms, and the unforeseen consequences of tweaking life's code.
As technology blurs the lines between the real and virtual, Kelly ponders the effects on human experiences, relationships, and our sense of self. He questions the morality of escaping into a virtual realm and the potential for addiction or detachment from reality. The rise of digital technologies has ushered in an era of unprecedented data collection. Kelly delves into the balance between security and individual privacy, asking if the erosion of personal boundaries is a price worth paying for safety.
As society becomes increasingly intertwined with technology, Kelly raises concerns about our dependency on these systems. What happens when they fail? And to what extent does this reliance diminish our basic human skills and resilience?
Throughout these explorations, Kelly advocates for a proactive approach to technological ethics. Rather than shunning or fearing innovations, he believes in understanding their implications, guiding their development, and molding them to serve humanity's best interests. He encourages readers to engage with these moral quandaries actively, emphasizing that the choices we make now will shape the trajectory of the technium and, by extension, our collective future.
"What Technology Wants" is an ambitious and expansive exploration of the nature of technology and its impact on society. While not without its critics, Kelly's perspective challenges readers to view technology not as a mere collection of tools but as a living, evolving system with its tendencies, desires, and trajectory. The book contemplates where technology takes us and how we can best navigate its challenges and opportunities.