Chaos: a mathematical
theory where small
differences in initial conditions (such as those due to rounding errors in
numerical computation) yield widely diverging outcomes for chaotic systems,
rendering long-term prediction impossible in general.
Complexity:
a condition of numerous elements in a system and numerous forms of
relationships among the elements.
Uncertainty:
A principle from quantum mechanics which states a fundamental limit on the
accuracy with which certain pairs of physical properties of a particle, such as position and momentum, cannot
be simultaneously known. In other words, the more precisely one property is
measured, the less precisely the other can be controlled, determined, or known.
Expert
System: a computer system that emulates the decision-making ability of a human
expert. Expert systems are designed to solve complex problems by reasoning
about knowledge, like an expert, and not by following the preprogrammed instructions
of program code.
Question:
Could our systems have evolved to the point where they are so complex, that
they are beyond our control?
When
you watch the pundits and experts pontificate about the economy, or
geopolitics, do you ever feel that they seem to just appear to be bloviating
about things that they really have no grip on?
In a game where there are 7 billion participants, can we ever guarantee an
equality of outcomes? Given so many
variables and the ever more complex interactions with each other, can we truly
be in control?
When
we look at our world, we see so many closely coupled interactions that it may
in point of fact, now be beyond the control of humanity to balance our supply
chain, financial markets, and resources.
Consider how food in distributed throughout Africa. If equality of outcome were possible, would there
be millions of people starving to death.
If we could establish long term control, reducing the chaotic pressures
of our current world state to small perturbations over time, instead of wild,
bubble induced swings, would that not be better for our species in the long
run? Efficient, pragmatic, and science
based solutions to energy, resource distribution and population governance may
be the next stage of societal evolution.
I
have suggested in the past, that in a world with plenty, where scarcity of
food, or other resources, is a thing of the past, our conflicts may disappear.
If you have all your needs met, and your wants are accessible, what do you
complain about? Do you still have wars
over ideologies, when there are no oppressed?
When everyone is comfortable, do radical ideologies have anywhere to get
a foothold?
If
expert systems were available to distribute the least amount of negative
outcomes across the widest population possible, would that actually work? Note, I said, least amount of negative
outcomes. We cannot insure that everyone
will always have the most awesome day ever, everyday. But we can say that the least amount of “suck”
will be distributed across the widest possible base, thus reducing the overall
amount of negative outcomes.
Would
such a system reduce the apparent Chaos currently affecting our world today? In a post scarcity world, where computer systems
increase human efficiency to the point that no one goes without, could we move
from childhood to our more mature state?
I am not asking for a world where puppies and grandmas never die, and we
live forever; such fantasies are unproductive flights of childish
imagination. I am looking for world
where needless suffering and cruelty has been removed, and that we, as a
species, can unite, toward loftier goals than internecine, tribal warfare;
mindless, soul numbing entertainments and the other petty distractions that we
have come to expect from 21st century humanity.
