Viewing a single comment thread. View all comments

strvgglecity t1_j7qhjet wrote

Reply to comment by Rhueh in What's your estimation for the minimum size of global population required for preserving modern civilization with advanced technology and medicine, and even progressing further? by Evgeneey

Once technology is self sustaining, the answer becomes 0. No humans will be needed for earth creatures to pursue scientific discovery.

2

Rhueh t1_j7qi90p wrote

Hm... I suppose it all hinges on what someone means by "preserving modern civilization." Does civilization being completely taken over by machines constitute "preserving" it? I can see a case either way.

But, yes, assuming we allow a civilization of machines to be consistent with "preserving modern civilization" then, you're right, the answer to the exact question asked would be zero.

1

strvgglecity t1_j7qj3qm wrote

Yea. If by "civilization" they mean an assortment of creatures producing goods and ideas, consuming resources, altering ecosystems and reproducing, then humans aren't required at all.

1

Rhueh t1_j858n1q wrote

Ironically, from an economic perspective a machine civilization has a big problem: Machines are far better at creating than they are at consuming. A machine civilization might well develop into a single machine that can maintain itself. What use would a second machine be?

2