RATING ****

Well, Bill McKibben is probably not going to join the Ayn Rand workgroup.  In this little-noticed but important book, McKibben discusses the potential dark side of advanced technologies such as genetic engineering, artificial intelligence, robotics and nanotechnology.  As opposed to some critics, he concentrates not on the physical danger (e.g. robots becoming smarter than us and taking over), but the threat to our humanness and freedom.

For example, in the coming years parents may be able to increase the intelligence of their children through germline enhancements.  This choice, McKibben asserts, actually reduces choice because all parents will be forced to make these enhancements or have less intelligent children.  This illustrates the faulty logic that permeates his thinking.  Parents will make this choice – assuming the germline engineering is safe – because it results in a benefit for their child.  Isn’t that what parents are supposed to do?  If McKibben had his way, the government would eliminate this choice.  Following his convoluted logic, the elimination of choice actually enhances choice.

Although McKibben confuses his passion with logic, he does raise important issues.  These technologies have significant risks and benefits; it’s critical to have a thorough debate now, because they are emerging so rapidly.  Properly managed, we can utilize them safely, even if we bumble from time to time.

I recommend this book, even if you are on the other side of this issue.  McKibben provides a good overview of the technologies and then explains his concerns.  You may disagree, but his ideas get the juices going and make you think.