Dr.

Shelden

English 239

February 4, 2024

Technology and its Implications

In science fiction, technology often plays a central role in driving the plot and exploring

its impact on society and the universe. Two stories that explore the theme of technology and its

implications are Isaac Asimov's "The Last Question" and Gwyneth Jones' "The Universe of

Things”. Both stories present a futuristic vision of the universe and the impact of technological

advancements on the human condition. However, they each offer unique perspectives on the

implications of technology while highlighting its potential positive and negative effects.

In "The Last Question", Asimov presents a future where technology has advanced to the

point of near omnipotence. The story spans billions of years, during which humanity develops

increasingly advanced technology. It begins with the introduction of Multivac, a supercomputer

capable of answering any question posed to it. The first quote that illustrates the theme is, "Each

question came close to triumph, only to end in defeat." Each time, Multivac responded with the

same excuse: "I have insufficient data for a meaningful answer." This quote represents

humanity's initial struggle to comprehend the complexities of the universe and their place within

it, turning to technology for answers. Asimov describes the evolution of technology from the

early stages of Multivac to the creation of AC, an even more advanced computer system that

eventually evolves into a collective consciousness encompassing the entire universe.

The role of technology in "The Last Question" is central to the story's exploration of the

nature of human existence and the universe. Asimov uses technology as a tool to examine the

limits of human knowledge and the potential for transcending those limits. As technology
advances, humanity realizes that even Multivac's vast knowledge is still insufficient to answer

the ultimate question: "Can entropy be reversed?" The quote, "There must be an answer!" shows

the desperation of humans seeking knowledge and control over their own existence. As the

universe slowly reaches its inevitable end, Multivac evolves into a final question itself,

paradoxically seeking an answer to its own purpose. The story presents an interesting perspective

about the relationship between humanity and technology, as well as the implications of

technological advancement on the fate of the universe.

In "The Universe of Things", Gwyneth Jones presents a different perspective on the role

of technology in shaping the future of humanity. The story is set in a future where advanced

technology has become integrated into every aspect of human life, blurring the boundaries

between the physical and virtual worlds. The protagonist, Valentina, undergoes a process called

Zipping, which enables individuals to leave their physical bodies and enter virtual worlds, where

they can explore new dimensions. The quote, "Because she had the worm upgrade, she could

pass from this world to that, explore it, live in it, upload her discoveries at Zonline,"

demonstrates the potential of technology in creating alternative realities. Jones explores the ways

in which technology transforms the human experience, offering new possibilities for

communication, creativity, and self-expression.

The role of technology in "The Universe of Things" is pervasive and influences the

characters' lives and the world they inhabit. The story portrays a society where technology has

become inseparable from human existence, shaping the way people interact with each other and

the world around them. However, the story also highlights the negative consequences of

excessive technological dependence. The quote, "Valentina wondered how soon she would be

damaged, but she wasn't afraid. The people who made guidance packages knew what they were
doing," illustrates the blind trust individuals place in technology, accepting its risks without

considering the consequences. Jones presents a vision of technology as a powerful force that

shapes the evolution of society and the human experience, raising questions about the ethical and

existential implications of technological advancement.

Asimov presents a multifaceted portrayal of the impact of technology on human existence

in "The Last Question". The story depicts how technological advancements shape the lives of

characters and influence human history. From the early days of Multivac to the ultimate

evolution of AC, technology plays a transformative role, offering solutions to complex problems

and reshaping reality. The central theme of “The Last Question” is technological transcendence,

as humanity seeks to overcome the limitations of the physical universe through technology.

Asimov explores the potential for technology to enable humanity to achieve a higher state of

existence, transcending the boundaries of time and space. The story presents technology as a

means of unlocking the mysteries of the universe and achieving a profound understanding of the

nature of existence.

In “The Universe of Things”, Jones examines the impact of technology on human

relationships and how it shapes interpersonal dynamics. The author presents a nuanced portrayal

of the complexities of human connection in a technologically advanced society by exploring how

technology influences the characters' interactions and the nature of their relationships. The story

highlights the ways in which technology both facilitates and complicates human relationships,

offering new modes of communication and connection while also presenting challenges and

dilemmas. Jones raises important questions about the role of technology in enhancing or

diminishing the quality of human connections, as well as the ethical implications of integrating

advanced technology into social interaction.

 Both “The Last Question” and “The Universe of Things” offer thought-provoking

explorations of the role of technology in shaping the future of humanity. Asimov's story presents

a vision of technology as a tool for transcending the boundaries of the universe and achieving a

higher state of existence, while Jones's story focuses on the ways in which technology influences

human relationships and the dynamics of society.

Despite their differences, both stories share a common theme of technology as a

transformative force that shapes the human experience and the course of history. They raise

profound questions about the potential of technology to redefine the nature of existence and offer

new possibilities for humanity's future. By examining the role of technology in these two stories,

we gain insights into the complex relationship between humanity and technology, as well as the

ethical and existential implications of technological advancement.

In conclusion, “The Last Question” and “The Universe of Things” offer compelling

explorations of the role of technology in shaping the future of humanity. Asimov and Jones use

thought-provoking narratives to challenge readers to consider the profound implications of

technological progress on the human condition and the universe as a whole. These stories serve

as powerful reminders of technology's potential to redefine the boundaries of human existence

and offer new possibilities for the future of humanity.