That if is kind of important. (I haven’t seen a lot more than anecdotes...to the opposite effect.)
2.
Compare these two.
Current and future technology will allow for better interfacing with the world’s existing body of knowledge, leading to more informed decision-making and more effective problem-solving.
(future)
The fact of the matter is, intelligent, well-educated people
(present/past)
3. Human knowledge and useful techniques tend to build on each other from generation to generation, and will continue to do so, allowing for work “on the shoulders of giants”.
All of these possibilities seem quite likely, and I don’t wish to directly argue against any of them. However, there is a massive competing factor that may shape the evolution of humanity, which I have not yet seen discussed in any depth: population growth dynamics.
Refuting 3 sounds like ‘you think civilization is going to collapse’.
3.
It should also be pointed out that while it is the case that plenty of people born into deeply religious groups lose their faith and at least some cultural practices later in life, it is still far from the majority of people who do so.
A) What’s the number
B) Has it changed over time? Where do you think it’s going?
0.
A common belief among members of this community seems to be that long-term, humans are likely to increase in intelligence, knowledge, and general problem-solving ability.
A poll on this subject might be interesting.
Finally, a fairly consistent trend among highly religious groups who have a tremendous number of children seems to be a rejection of at least some technology and medical interference in early life.
Which religions does this apply to?
If it is discovered that people with some given externally-applied attribute (such as having genetically-modified characteristics) are significantly less likely to remain religious, it is extremely likely that such modifications will become highly frowned-upon in those cultures, at the very least.
Is China religious? Russia?
If China was to start doing genetic experimentation, and no one else, well, what is the population of China?
1. I think X because …, where … rests on an if.
That if is kind of important. (I haven’t seen a lot more than anecdotes...to the opposite effect.)
2.
Compare these two.
(future)
(present/past)
Refuting 3 sounds like ‘you think civilization is going to collapse’.
3.
A) What’s the number
B) Has it changed over time? Where do you think it’s going?
0.
A poll on this subject might be interesting.
Which religions does this apply to?
Is China religious? Russia?
If China was to start doing genetic experimentation, and no one else, well, what is the population of China?