Archive for September, 2019

The Butlerian Jihad and the Dangers of Artificial Intelligence

Posted on September 29th, 2019 · Posted in Analysis and Opinion

Those of us who grew up with 1960’s Science Fiction remember well Frank Herbert’s Magnum Opus, Dune. That amazing book laid the groundwork for much environmentalist thinking, and has been an inspiration for an entire generation of fans. The story’s feudal interstellar society, taking place thousands of years in our future, has very advanced capabilities, notably faster than light travel; yet one thing is missing: there are no computers anywhere (except for the mentats, who are specially trained human computers). The reason there are no computers in Dune’s universe is hinted at repeatedly in the book: it is the outcome.. Read more