Hanno thanks what the text describes as "...the ruling intellects of the world." (10, p. 490)
He is told:
"'Thank society. You think in terms of kings, but personal power is obsolete.'" (p. 496)
We are given to understand that these combined human and electronic intellects formulate a decision that expresses the understanding and interests of society as a whole. To launch a crewed interstellar ship will be expensive but will not impoverish anyone. There is some support for it and it might have beneficial consequences. It is agreed.
These are not really ruling intellects but are somehow foci for a collective decision. But the author thinks in the old terms and uses the archaic language of rule.
Next we will address the question of what the Survivors take with them psychologically when they leave the Solar System but first we, editorially speaking, must address a few other tasks closer to home.
9 comments:
Kaor, Paul!
And I am skeptical of the likelihood or desirability of such quasi-hive minds. My sympathies are with Hanno, who disliked such a set up.
Ad astra! Sean
Sean,
Two issues here. I don't think that that is a "quasi-hive." Nor do I think that it is likely that society will develop in that way in future. But I was trying to understand what Anderson had written.
Paul.
Kaor, Paul!
It sure looks like a "quasi-hive." The rest I agree with.
Ad astra! Sean
I think that they just process a lot of information and arrive at a decision in a global society where there are no longer major conflicts of interest as between corporations, nation-states, incompatible ideologies wielding state power etc.
Kaor, Paul!
And that is not plausible. I don't believe in the likelihood of that kind of unanimity. Humans are far more likely to quarrel, wrangle, intrigue, conspire, bargain, swap favors and concessions, etc., in the process of making decisions.
Ad astra! Sean
Sean,
You are assuming continued conflicts of material interests.
Paul.
Conflicts of material interest cause quarrels, wrangling etc.
Kaor, Paul!
Exactly! Conflicts will remain, because that is simply what human beings are so prone to doing.
Conflicts are not always about mere material things. Conflicts can also be about ideas, beliefs, passions.
Ad astra! Sean
Sean,
But major conflicts of material interest no longer exist in Thule. Differences of opinion about philosophical, scientific or cultural issues will generate discussion and argument but not physical conflict.
Paul.
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