Caledonian:The following link is quite illuminative on Hofstadter’s feelings on things: Interview
He’s rather skeptical of the sort of transhumanist claims that are common among certain sorts of futurists.
I’m a Hofstadter fan too, but look at your evidence again, bearing in mind how existing models and beliefs shape perception and judgment…
“I think it’s very murky”
“the craziest sort of dog excrement mixed with very good food.”
“Frankly, because it sort of disgusts me”
“The car driving across the Nevada desert still strikes me as being closer to the thermostat or the toilet that regulates itself”
“and the whole idea of humans is already down the drain?”
I’m a Hofstadter fan too, but look at your evidence again, bearing in mind how existing models and beliefs shape perception and judgment…
“the craziest sort of dog excrement mixed with very good food.”
“Frankly, because it sort of disgusts me”
“The car driving across the Nevada desert still strikes me as being closer to the thermostat or the toilet that regulates itself”
“and the whole idea of humans is already down the drain?”