The idea of having an artificial brain sounds troubling, yet all the valuable possibilities that ...

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The idea of having an artificial brain sounds troubling, yet all the valuable possibilities that come to mind are incredible. by Mind Map: The idea of having an artificial brain sounds troubling, yet all the valuable possibilities that come to mind are incredible.

1. Ideas that backup the idea of an artificial brain.

1.1. While Sergey Brin's idea sounds disturbing, it doesn't take away from the unlimited benefits technology has offered.

1.2. Having an artificial brain sounds much worse than it could be. Imagine having a backup brain that would aid you when you needed a solution.

1.3. Modern technology is amazing. Having the power to research and find the answer to pretty much anything within minutes is something that shouldn't be taken for granted.

2. I will then present reasons as to why technology has so many upsides that it shouldn't be viewed as negative if people rely on it. Reading for long hours is not a necessity, which can be viewed as a positive. Nicholas Carr himself states "Research that once required days... can now be done in minutes"(Carr 339)

3. Ideas as to why having an artificial brain may be "unsettling".

3.1. If you have something in your head acting as your brain then I begin to wonder who is directing who's actions.

3.2. The idea of having something in your head acting as your "brain" is crossing the line that separates humans and machines.

3.3. There is no question humanity has benefited from technology and all the information it brings. But we've seen humans misuse or abuse this power, just imagine what more powerful technology will bring.

4. Examples from the article to backup the use of an artificial brain.

4.1. With the many dangers technology brings, sometimes people will be afraid of it, as Carr states "Just as there's a tendency to glorify technological progress, there's a counter tendency to expect the worst of every new tool or machine".

4.2. I will use Carr examples of Gutengerg's printing press, and Socrates thinking that "as people came to rely on the written word as a substitute for for knowledge...they would...cease to exercise their memory and become forgetful"(Carr 346) Socrates was unable to see past his fear and failed to foresee the many ways that writing and reading would serve to spread information.

4.3. When Sergey Brin states"Certainly if you had all the world's information directly attached to your brain, or an artificial brain that was smarter than your brain, you'd be better off"I find this thinking to be interesting but with the potential of side negative side effects.

5. Nicholas Carr uses examples in his article that may don't back up his "unsettling" idea.

5.1. One of the examples Carr uses to back up his theory that technology, in this case a typewriter, can have negative impact on a writer is that of Friedrich Nietzsche. According to Carr, Friedrich's writing and thinking was slowly being changed by the typewriter. Although it could be possible, the more reasonable answer to Nietzche's change in writing is his age and deteriorating health.

5.2. Nicholas Carr begins his article by talking about losing the ability to concentrate or not being able to remain focused on long pieces of writing. Carr talks about this having to be a negative. In today's pacey world people need to find information rapidly. Today people can't afford to lag behind. I will start my essay by stating Carr's reasons as to why technology is negative and then presenting reasons as to why he may be wrong.