Playing God – Berge’s Theorem of Technological Necessity

Berge’s Theorem of Technological Necessity is not a statement about how I think things ought to be. Rather, it represents a tendency in this technological age that I strongly disagree with. The Theorem states that in today’s society, “If a particular technology exists, therefore we must use it.”

There are all sorts of problems with this. On the more mundane side of things, do I really need a coffee maker with a computer chip in it? Does my TV or my stereo really have to be so difficult to program and use? Does the remote really have to have 50 buttons on it?

Do we really need the ability to implant computer chips into the brains of mice to control them like a robot?

Perhaps we ought to draw the line at living, organic, computer-controlled creatures. This TED talk brings up all sorts of bioethical questions. Playing God has never more possible.