I really like books where the singularity is us, stories that look at the blurring line of exactly what is "human"
Discussion Fodder & Review
"Kade had never asked anyone their sign before. He supposed in a way he still hadn't. The software had done that with his mouth and lungs. Did that count?" (pg. 9). At various points throughout the book someone's behavior and action is influenced or completely controlled by Nexus applications, is it still you doing something when this happens?
What do you think about the parallels between Nexus and LSD or counter-culture? Do you see parallels in the Nexus party experiments and Ken Kesey & The Merry Prankster's Acid Tests, or between Timothy Leary's "Turn on, tune in, drop out" and the "Close Door and Open Mind As You Enter" sign at the party?
There are many different stances on ethics concerning Nexus, the responsibilities of a scientist, and the sharing of information. Kade repeatedly feels that as a scientist he must take responsibility for the repercussions of his actions, but how far does that go? Some believe that information must be free, others believe that the dangers outweigh the good. Is it ethical to limit the growth of humanity, the quality of life? On the flip side, is it ethical to release technology that allows for the complete exploitation of someone's body? Who is responsible for the atrocities enacted with this technology?
Do you think that the fictional history is plausible as technology advances? What do you think of some of the technology in Nexus (such as home blood test cancer screening)?
What do you think about the decision to assign Sam to the Nexus missions? Is she the one who could best understand the dangers or is she the weakest link? Is it ethical for her to be on the mission?
A strong case is made for the spiritual potential for something like Nexus, particularly by the Buddhist monks. How might Nexus effect other religions and spiritualities? How might it effect concepts of zen and nirvana? Is a single humanity nirvana?
What is the line that separates human from trans/post human? What do you think are the implications and repercussions of this "evolution'? Is the danger in the change occurring quickly or slowly?
Is the opportunity for group intelligence an elevation or a danger? Are we looking at a pathway to greater thought and creativity or to a hive mind or borg?
"Scientists have to show respect for the law, Professior," Franks replied. "Perhaps the law should show respect for science instead, Doctor." (pg. 155). Where is the line that law should control science, and where is the line where science should control the law?
"But through history, when people have had the chance to use technology to improve their own lives, they've done a lot of good along with the harm. The good has more than outweighed the bad. Dramatically so. That's the only reason we're here today." (pg. 274) What do you think about this statement? Is it true? Optimistic? Misguided?
"We find that the Constitution guarantees protections only to human persons. Non-human persons such as those created by the combination of non-human genes with human genes, by the integration of technology that affords non-human abilities, or by any significant deviation from the existing spectrum of human characteristics, are afforded no special protections. As such, Congress and the states may legislate the status of non-human persons without regard to the Constitutional protections afforded to humans." (pg. 288)
What do you think about the potential for abuse of this ruling (even with today's technology)?
What are the implications of children born with Nexus in their system? What problems would be faced in integrating "posthuman" children into a still "human" society?
Is technology advancement a 'cold war'? What do you think about the 'arms race' and escalation that takes place in Nexus?
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