Reverse Engineering the Brain

Recently in my E101 class, my group had to give a presentation on Reverse Engineering the Brain. I bring this up because it reminds me a lot of Neuromancer. Reverse Engineering the brain is the use of nanotechnology, in conjunction with powerful super-computers, to create a simulation of the human brain. The goal is to have these simulations be capable of problem solving, cognition, and emotions, just like a human is. The question we now have to ask is whether we should continue to develop this type of technology. Do we want to live in a world like the one portrayed in Neuromancer?

I think one of the most important things to do when faced with this kind of decision is to thoroughly examine both the positive and negative affects of this type of technology. If engineers successfully created a human brain, it would provide unlimited medical advances. We would be able to understand, and therefore possible cure, mental disorders such as schizophrenia and Alzheimer's Disease. We would also be able to put these "human brains" in different mechanical devices that could be placed in places humans have yet to reach, such as the outer regions of our universe or the deepest depths of the oceans. This would allow us to have a greater understanding of the interconnections that create Earth. However, one must think about the negative effects. For example, one of the goals of Reverse-Engineering the brain is to create machines smarter than humans. In my opinion, this could only end in disaster. I know it sounds crazy, but if we did achieve this goal, at first it might be cool but the seemingly farsical idea of machines taking over the world could actually become a problem.

The overall message I am trying to get accross is that Engineers and scientists always need to think about the possible consequences of their work. Through our class discussion of Neuromancer, although I am still not a fan of science-fictions, I do believe it is important for Engineers to reflect on the messages that science-fiction literature portrays. Often, these novels predict some of the aspects of future technologies and the effects it will have on society.