There is a lot of emotional debate around the current AI wave. I looked back into history to see how similar past innovations and big ideas turned out. Below is a (partial) list of a variety of past human ideas, where humanity was confronted with something new, and the people then were likely in a similar state as we are in now. We identified both benefits and risks, and learned how best to use them for good while managing the risks. We have gotten better at managing risks over time. Each item contains the following details:

• time when the idea first occurred in human history

• inventor/discoverer

• viewpoints in favor of and opposing the idea

• and a few key resources (people/articles/books) to learn more about the idea, and for each of the viewpoints around it

I will leave it to you to read through this for yourself, explore whatever interests you, and form your own conclusions. I came away with a higher confidence that we will come out ahead in the current AI wave, and will find ways to harness its capabilities as well as control the potential risks.

Partial list of human innovations

Note: I worked with ChatGPT to list the ideas and come up with the structure and content. The content itself is mostly from ChatGPT, unverified, so there may be mistakes.

Fire (1.7 million years ago)

Inventor/Discoverer: Unknown, discovery attributed to early human ancestors.

Viewpoint in Favor:

• Facilitates Cooking and Warmth: Fire allowed early humans to cook food, which made it more digestible and safer to eat, and provided warmth, which was essential for survival in colder climates.

• Key Works, People, Resources:

  • Richard Wrangham, Catching Fire: How Cooking Made Us Human

Viewpoint Against:

• Environmental Damage and Risk: The use of fire has historically led to deforestation, habitat destruction, and has posed risks such as wildfires.

• Key Works, People, Resources:

  • Stephen J. Pyne, Fire: A Brief History

Agriculture (10,000 BCE)

Inventor/Discoverer: Early human societies in various regions, including the Fertile Crescent, the Indus Valley, and Mesoamerica.

Viewpoint in Favor:

• Supports Larger Populations: Agriculture allowed for the development of stable food supplies, which supported larger populations and the growth of civilizations.

• Key Works, People, Resources:

  • Jared Diamond, Guns, Germs, and Steel

Viewpoint Against:

• Social Inequality and Health Issues: Agriculture led to the rise of social hierarchies and resulted in health issues due to a less varied diet compared to hunter-gatherer societies.

• Key Works, People, Resources:

  • James C. Scott, Against the Grain: A Deep History of the Earliest States

The Plow (3,500 BCE)

Inventor/Discoverer: Likely invented in Mesopotamia.

Viewpoint in Favor:

• Increased Agricultural Efficiency: The plow significantly increased the efficiency of farming, allowing for the cultivation of larger areas of land and the production of surplus food.

• Key Works, People, Resources:

  • William McNeill, A World History of Agriculture

Viewpoint Against:

• Environmental Degradation: The use of the plow can lead to soil erosion and degradation, reducing long-term agricultural productivity.

• Key Works, People, Resources:

  • David R. Montgomery, Dirt: The Erosion of Civilizations

Wheel (3,500 BCE)

Inventor/Discoverer: Likely invented in Mesopotamia.

Viewpoint in Favor:

• Revolutionized Transportation and Industry: The wheel enabled more efficient transportation of goods and people and played a crucial role in the development of machinery and industry.

• Key Works, People, Resources:

  • Richard W. Bulliet, The Wheel: Inventions and Reinventions

Viewpoint Against:

• Environmental Impact: The development of wheeled vehicles and machinery has contributed to environmental degradation through industrial processes and pollution.

• Key Works, People, Resources:

  • John Bellamy Foster, The Vulnerable Planet: A Short Economic History of the Environment

Symbolic Writing (3,200 BCE)

Inventor/Discoverer: Developed independently in various regions, including Sumer (Mesopotamia) and Egypt.

Viewpoint in Favor:

• Foundation of Civilization: Writing allowed for the recording of history, administration, and the spread of knowledge, which are foundational elements of complex societies.

• Key Works, People, Resources:

  • Denise Schmandt-Besserat, How Writing Came About

Viewpoint Against:

• Control and Domination: Writing has been used as a tool for control and domination, contributing to the centralization of power and the suppression of oral cultures.

• Key Works, People, Resources:

  • David R. Olson, The World on Paper: The Conceptual and Cognitive Implications of Writing and Reading

Government (2,000 BCE)

Inventor/Discoverer: Various early civilizations, including Mesopotamia, Egypt, and the Indus Valley.

Viewpoint in Favor:

• Organizes Society: Government provides structure and organization to society, enabling the management of resources, maintenance of order, and provision of public services.

• Key Works, People, Resources:

  • Thomas Hobbes, Leviathan

Viewpoint Against:

• Potential for Oppression: Governments can become oppressive, curtailing freedoms and concentrating power in the hands of a few.

• Key Works, People, Resources:

  • Noam Chomsky, Hegemony or Survival: America's Quest for Global Dominance

Money (1,200 BCE)

Inventor/Discoverer: Various ancient civilizations, including Lydia (modern-day Turkey).

Viewpoint in Favor:

• Facilitates Trade and Economic Growth: Money acts as a medium of exchange, a store of value, and a unit of account, simplifying transactions and promoting economic activity.

• Key Works, People, Resources:

  • Milton Friedman, Money Mischief

Viewpoint Against:

• Can Lead to Inequality and Economic Manipulation: The use and control of money can lead to significant social inequality and economic manipulation.

• Key Works, People, Resources:

  • Doug Rushkoff, Throwing Rocks at the Google Bus

Monarchy (1,500 BCE)

Inventor/Discoverer: Developed independently in various early civilizations.

Viewpoint in Favor:

• Provides Stable Leadership: Monarchy can provide stable and continuous leadership, which can be beneficial for long-term planning and governance.

• Key Works, People, Resources:

  • Walter Bagehot, The English Constitution

Viewpoint Against:

• Potential for Tyranny: Monarchies can lead to the concentration of power in the hands of a single ruler, with the potential for abuse and tyranny.

• Key Works, People, Resources:

  • Thomas Paine, Common Sense

Religion (1,000 BCE)

Inventor/Discoverer: Developed independently in various cultures around the world.

Viewpoint in Favor:

• Provides Moral Framework and Social Cohesion: Religion offers a moral framework, a sense of purpose, and social cohesion, which can enhance societal stability and individual well-being.

• Key Works, People, Resources:

  • Mircea Eliade, The Sacred and the Profane

Viewpoint Against:

• Can Cause Conflict and Division: Religious differences have historically been a source of conflict, persecution, and division within and between societies.

• Key Works, People, Resources:

  • Christopher Hitchens, God Is Not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything

Papermaking (2nd century BCE, China)

Inventor/Discoverer: Cai Lun, Han Dynasty China.

Viewpoint in Favor:

• Revolutionized Communication: Papermaking provided a more affordable and efficient medium for writing, enabling the spread of knowledge and literacy.

• Key Works, People, Resources:

  • Jonathan M. Bloom, Paper Before Print: The History and Impact of Paper in the Islamic World

Viewpoint Against:

• Environmental Impact: The production of paper has led to deforestation and environmental degradation.

• Key Works, People, Resources:

  • Nicholas A. Basbanes, On Paper: The Everything of Its Two-Thousand-Year History

The Compass (206 BCE - 220 CE, Han Dynasty, China)

Inventor/Discoverer: Han Dynasty China.

Viewpoint in Favor:

• Navigation and Exploration: The compass enabled more precise navigation, which facilitated exploration, trade, and cultural exchange.

• Key Works, People, Resources:

  • Edward H. Schafer, The Golden Peaches of Samarkand: A Study of T'ang Exotics

Viewpoint Against:

• Colonial Expansion: Improved navigation also facilitated colonial expansion and exploitation of foreign lands.

• Key Works, People, Resources:

  • Alfred W. Crosby, The Columbian Exchange: Biological and Cultural Consequences of 1492

Gunpowder (9th century CE, China)

Inventor/Discoverer: Chinese alchemists during the Tang Dynasty.

Viewpoint in Favor:

• Military and Engineering Advances: Gunpowder revolutionized warfare and was also used in engineering for construction and mining.

• Key Works, People, Resources:

  • Bert S. Hall, Weapons and Warfare in Renaissance Europe: Gunpowder, Technology, and Tactics

Viewpoint Against:

• Destructive Warfare: Gunpowder significantly increased the destructiveness of warfare, leading to greater loss of life and societal disruption.

• Key Works, People, Resources:

  • John Ellis, The Social History of the Machine Gun

The Printing Press (1440 CE)

Inventor/Discoverer: Johannes Gutenberg.

Viewpoint in Favor:

• Mass Communication: The printing press made books and written materials more accessible, promoting literacy and the spread of ideas.

• Key Works, People, Resources:

  • Elizabeth L. Eisenstein, The Printing Revolution in Early Modern Europe

Viewpoint Against:

• Spread of Misinformation: The printing press also facilitated the spread of misinformation and propaganda.

• Key Works, People, Resources:

  • Adrian Johns, The Nature of the Book: Print and Knowledge in the Making

Corporation (1600 CE, Dutch East India Company)

Inventor/Discoverer: Dutch East India Company.

Viewpoint in Favor:

• Economic Growth: Corporations enabled the pooling of capital for large-scale ventures, driving economic growth and innovation.

• Key Works, People, Resources:

  • William N. Goetzmann, Money Changes Everything: How Finance Made Civilization Possible

Viewpoint Against:

• Corporate Power and Abuse: Corporations can accumulate significant power, leading to exploitation and unethical practices.

• Key Works, People, Resources:

  • Joel Bakan, The Corporation: The Pathological Pursuit of Profit and Power

The Telescope (1608 CE)

Inventor/Discoverer: Hans Lippershey, with contributions by Galileo Galilei.

Viewpoint in Favor:

• Advances in Astronomy: The telescope revolutionized astronomy, leading to significant discoveries about the universe and our place in it.

• Key Works, People, Resources:

  • Dava Sobel, Galileo's Daughter: A Historical Memoir of Science, Faith, and Love

Viewpoint Against:

• Military Use: The telescope was also used for military purposes, improving surveillance and targeting capabilities.

• Key Works, People, Resources:

  • Samuel Y. Edgerton, The Mirror, the Window, and the Telescope: How Renaissance Linear Perspective Changed Our Vision of the Universe

The Microscope (1620s CE)

Inventor/Discoverer: Hans and Zacharias Janssen, with significant improvements by Antonie van Leeuwenhoek.

Viewpoint in Favor:

• Advances in Biology and Medicine: The microscope opened up the microscopic world, leading to crucial discoveries in biology and medicine.

• Key Works, People, Resources:

  • Brian J. Ford, The Leeuwenhoek Legacy

Viewpoint Against:

• Ethical Concerns in Research: Microscopic research has sometimes led to ethical concerns, particularly in medical and genetic experimentation.

• Key Works, People, Resources:

  • John D. Jones, The Ethics of Genetic Engineering

The Steam Engine (1698 CE)

Inventor/Discoverer: Thomas Savery, with significant improvements by James Watt.

Viewpoint in Favor:

• Industrial Revolution: The steam engine was a driving force behind the Industrial Revolution, enabling mechanized production and transportation.

• Key Works, People, Resources:

  • David S. Landes, The Unbound Prometheus: Technological Change and Industrial Development in Western Europe from 1750 to the Present

Viewpoint Against:

• Environmental Pollution: The widespread use of steam engines contributed to significant environmental pollution and the exploitation of natural resources.

• Key Works, People, Resources:

  • Carolyn Merchant, The Death of Nature: Women, Ecology, and the Scientific Revolution

The Coal Engine (1712 CE)

Inventor/Discoverer: Thomas Newcomen.

Viewpoint in Favor:

• Enhanced Mining Efficiency: The coal engine improved efficiency in mining operations, particularly in pumping water out of mines.

• Key Works, People, Resources:

  • Arnold Toynbee, Lectures on the Industrial Revolution in England

Viewpoint Against:

• Contribution to Climate Change: The extensive use of coal engines has been a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change.

• Key Works, People, Resources:

  • Naomi Klein, This Changes Everything: Capitalism vs. the Climate

Vaccination (1796 CE)

Inventor/Discoverer: Edward Jenner.

Viewpoint in Favor:

• Disease Prevention: Vaccination has been instrumental in preventing diseases and saving countless lives.

• Key Works, People, Resources:

  • Paul A. Offit, Vaccinated: One Man's Quest to Defeat the World's Deadliest Diseases

Viewpoint Against:

• Vaccine Hesitancy and Ethical Issues: There have been concerns about vaccine safety, ethical issues in vaccine trials, and vaccine hesitancy.

• Key Works, People, Resources:

  • Seth Mnookin, The Panic Virus: The True Story Behind the Vaccine-Autism Controversy

The Telegraph (1837 CE)

Inventor/Discoverer: Samuel Morse and Alfred Vail.

Viewpoint in Favor:

• Revolutionized Communication: The telegraph enabled instant long-distance communication, transforming business, journalism, and personal correspondence.

• Key Works, People, Resources:

  • Tom Standage, The Victorian Internet: The Remarkable Story of the Telegraph and the Nineteenth Century's On-line Pioneers

Viewpoint Against:

• Monopolization and Control: Telegraph companies often held monopolies, leading to concerns about control over information and communication.

• Key Works, People, Resources:

  • Richard R. John, Network Nation: Inventing American Telecommunications

Refrigeration (1834 CE)

Inventor/Discoverer: Jacob Perkins.

Viewpoint in Favor:

• Food Preservation: Refrigeration revolutionized food storage and preservation, reducing food waste and improving public health.

• Key Works, People, Resources:

  • Tom Shachtman, Absolute Zero and the Conquest of Cold

Viewpoint Against:

• Environmental Impact: Refrigerants used in refrigeration have contributed to ozone depletion and climate change.

• Key Works, People, Resources:

  • Eric Dean Wilson, After Cooling: On Freon, Global Warming, and the Terrible Cost of Comfort

The Camera (1839 CE)

Inventor/Discoverer: Louis Daguerre and Henry Fox Talbot.

Viewpoint in Favor:

• Art and Documentation: The camera transformed art and documentation, enabling realistic capture of images and moments.

• Key Works, People, Resources:

  • Susan Sontag, On Photography

Viewpoint Against:

• Privacy Concerns: The widespread use of cameras has raised concerns about privacy and surveillance.

• Key Works, People, Resources:

  • John Berger, Ways of Seeing

The Sewing Machine (1846 CE)

Inventor/Discoverer: Elias Howe and Isaac Singer.

Viewpoint in Favor:

• Increased Productivity: The sewing machine revolutionized the textile industry, significantly increasing productivity and lowering the cost of clothing.

• Key Works, People, Resources:

  • David Hounshell, From the American System to Mass Production, 1800-1932: The Development of Manufacturing Technology in the United States

Viewpoint Against:

• Labor Exploitation: The advent of sewing machines contributed to the rise of sweatshops and the exploitation of labor, particularly among women and children.

• Key Works, People, Resources:

  • Beth English, A Common Thread: Labor, Politics, and Capital Mobility in the Textile Industry

The Internal Combustion Engine (1872 CE)

Inventor/Discoverer: Nikolaus Otto.

Viewpoint in Favor:

• Transportation Revolution: The internal combustion engine revolutionized transportation, enabling the development of automobiles, airplanes, and other vehicles.

• Key Works, People, Resources:

  • Vaclav Smil, Energy and Civilization: A History

Viewpoint Against:

• Environmental Damage: The widespread use of internal combustion engines has contributed to air pollution and climate change.

• Key Works, People, Resources:

  • Tim Flannery, The Weather Makers: How Man Is Changing the Climate and What It Means for Life on Earth

The Telephone (1876 CE)

Inventor/Discoverer: Alexander Graham Bell.

Viewpoint in Favor:

• Revolutionized Communication: The telephone enabled real-time voice communication over long distances, transforming personal and business interactions.

• Key Works, People, Resources:

  • A. Edward Evenson, The Telephone Patent Conspiracy of 1876: The Elisha Gray–Alexander Bell Controversy

Viewpoint Against:

• Privacy and Surveillance: The use of telephones has raised concerns about privacy, surveillance, and wiretapping.

• Key Works, People, Resources:

  • Naomi Klein, The Age of Surveillance Capitalism: The Fight for a Human Future at the New Frontier of Power

The Light Bulb (1879 CE)

Inventor/Discoverer: Thomas Edison and Joseph Swan.

Viewpoint in Favor:

• Extended Productive Hours: The light bulb extended productive hours beyond daylight, transforming work, leisure, and daily life.

• Key Works, People, Resources:

  • Ernest Freeberg, The Age of Edison: Electric Light and the Invention of Modern America

Viewpoint Against:

• Energy Consumption: The widespread use of light bulbs has significantly increased energy consumption, impacting the environment.

• Key Works, People, Resources:

  • Jane Brox, Brilliant: The Evolution of Artificial Light

The Electric Motor (1888 CE)

Inventor/Discoverer: Nikola Tesla.

Viewpoint in Favor:

• Industrial and Technological Advancements: The electric motor has driven countless innovations in industry, transportation, and household appliances.

• Key Works, People, Resources:

  • W. Bernard Carlson, Tesla: Inventor of the Electrical Age

Viewpoint Against:

• Resource and Energy Use: The production and widespread use of electric motors have led to increased resource extraction and energy consumption.

• Key Works, People, Resources:

  • Vaclav Smil, Energy: A Beginner's Guide

The Automobile (1886 CE)

Inventor/Discoverer: Karl Benz.

Viewpoint in Favor:

• Mobility and Economic Growth: Automobiles have greatly increased personal mobility and have been a significant driver of economic growth.

• Key Works, People, Resources:

  • James J. Flink, The Automobile Age

Viewpoint Against:

• Environmental and Social Impact: The widespread use of automobiles has contributed to urban sprawl, environmental pollution, and dependence on fossil fuels.

• Key Works, People, Resources:

  • Jane Holtz Kay, Asphalt Nation: How the Automobile Took Over America and How We Can Take It Back

Radio (1895 CE)

Inventor/Discoverer: Guglielmo Marconi.

Viewpoint in Favor:

• Mass Communication: Radio revolutionized mass communication, providing news, entertainment, and education to a wide audience.

• Key Works, People, Resources:

  • Susan J. Douglas, Listening In: Radio and the American Imagination

Viewpoint Against:

• Propaganda and Control: Radio has been used as a tool for propaganda and social control, particularly during times of war and political unrest.

• Key Works, People, Resources:

  • Paul F. Lazarsfeld, Radio and the Printed Page

X-rays (1895 CE)

Inventor/Discoverer: Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen.

Viewpoint in Favor:

• Medical Advancements: X-rays have revolutionized medical diagnostics and treatment, allowing for non-invasive internal imaging.

• Key Works, People, Resources:

  • Bettyann Kevles, Naked to the Bone: Medical Imaging in the Twentieth Century

Viewpoint Against:

• Health Risks: Exposure to X-rays can pose health risks, including radiation-induced illnesses and cancers.

• Key Works, People, Resources:

  • Marilyn E. Noz, Radiation Protection in the Health Sciences

Comics (Late 19th - early 20th century CE)

Inventor/Discoverer: Early pioneers like Rodolphe Töpffer, and later developments in American newspapers.

Viewpoint in Favor:

- Cultural and Educational Value: Comics combine visual art and storytelling, offering cultural insights, entertainment, and educational value.

- Key Works, People, Resources:

- Scott McCloud, Understanding Comics: The Invisible Art

Viewpoint Against:

- Perceived Lack of Seriousness: Comics have sometimes been criticized for being a less serious or inferior form of literature, often dismissed as mere entertainment.

- Key Works, People, Resources:

- David Hadju, The Ten-Cent Plague: The Great Comic-Book Scare and How It Changed America

Plastics (1907 CE)

Inventor/Discoverer: Leo Baekeland.

Viewpoint in Favor:

• Versatile Material: Plastics are incredibly versatile and have transformed countless industries, from packaging to healthcare.

• Key Works, People, Resources:

  • Susan Freinkel, Plastic: A Toxic Love Story

Viewpoint Against:

• Environmental Pollution: Plastics have led to significant environmental pollution, particularly in oceans, and are challenging to recycle.

• Key Works, People, Resources:

  • Roland Geyer, The Environmental Toll of Plastics

The Airplane (1903 CE)

Inventor/Discoverer: Wright brothers (Orville and Wilbur Wright).

Viewpoint in Favor:

• Revolutionized Transportation: The airplane revolutionized transportation, making long-distance travel and global connectivity possible.

• Key Works, People, Resources:

  • David McCullough, The Wright Brothers

Viewpoint Against:

• Environmental Impact: Air travel contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions and environmental degradation.

• Key Works, People, Resources:

  • Alice Bows-Larkin, Aviation and Climate Change: Issues and Policy Responses

Penicillin (1928 CE)

Inventor/Discoverer: Alexander Fleming.

Viewpoint in Favor:

• Medical Breakthrough: Penicillin revolutionized medicine by providing an effective treatment for bacterial infections, saving countless lives.

• Key Works, People, Resources:

  • Eric Lax, The Mold in Dr. Florey's Coat: The Story of the Penicillin Miracle

Viewpoint Against:

• Antibiotic Resistance: Overuse and misuse of antibiotics like penicillin have led to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

• Key Works, People, Resources:

  • Maryn McKenna, Big Chicken: The Incredible Story of How Antibiotics Created Modern Agriculture and Changed the Way the World Eats

Traditional AI (1950s CE)

Inventor/Discoverer: John McCarthy, Marvin Minsky, and others.

Viewpoint in Favor:

• Advancements in Technology: Traditional AI has led to significant advancements in computing, automation, and problem-solving capabilities.

• Key Works, People, Resources:

  • Stuart Russell and Peter Norvig, Artificial Intelligence: A Modern Approach

Viewpoint Against:

• Ethical and Employment Concerns: The development of AI raises ethical issues and concerns about job displacement due to automation.

• Key Works, People, Resources:

  • Shoshana Zuboff, The Age of Surveillance Capitalism: The Fight for a Human Future at the New Frontier of Power

The Computer (1940s CE)

Inventor/Discoverer: Alan Turing, John von Neumann, and others.

Viewpoint in Favor:

• Revolutionized Information Processing: Computers have transformed every aspect of modern life, from business to education to entertainment.

• Key Works, People, Resources:

  • Walter Isaacson, The Innovators: How a Group of Hackers, Geniuses, and Geeks Created the Digital Revolution

Viewpoint Against:

• Privacy and Security Risks: The proliferation of computers and digital data has led to significant privacy and cybersecurity risks.

• Key Works, People, Resources:

  • Bruce Schneier, Data and Goliath: The Hidden Battles to Collect Your Data and Control Your World

Nuclear Energy (1954 CE)

Inventor/Discoverer: Enrico Fermi and others.

Viewpoint in Favor:

• Power Generation: Nuclear energy provides a powerful and efficient means of generating electricity with low greenhouse gas emissions.

• Key Works, People, Resources:

  • Richard Rhodes, The Making of the Atomic Bomb

Viewpoint Against:

• Safety and Waste Concerns: Nuclear energy poses significant safety risks, including the potential for catastrophic accidents and the problem of radioactive waste disposal.

• Key Works, People, Resources:

  • Kate Brown, Plutopia: Nuclear Families, Atomic Cities, and the Great Soviet and American Plutonium Disasters

Space Exploration (e.g., Satellites, Spacecraft) (1957 CE, Sputnik)

Inventor/Discoverer: Various space agencies, beginning with the Soviet Union's launch of Sputnik.

Viewpoint in Favor:

• Scientific and Technological Progress: Space exploration has led to significant scientific discoveries and technological advancements.

• Key Works, People, Resources:

  • Carl Sagan, Pale Blue Dot: A Vision of the Human Future in Space

Viewpoint Against:

• Resource Allocation: Critics argue that the resources spent on space exploration could be better used to address pressing issues on Earth.

• Key Works, People, Resources:

  • Mary Roach, Packing for Mars: The Curious Science of Life in the Void

The Transistor (1947 CE)

Inventor/Discoverer: John Bardeen, Walter Brattain, and William Shockley.

Viewpoint in Favor:

• Foundation of Modern Electronics: The transistor revolutionized electronics, making modern computing and telecommunications possible.

• Key Works, People, Resources:

  • Michael Riordan and Lillian Hoddeson, Crystal Fire: The Birth of the Information Age

Viewpoint Against:

• Resource and Environmental Impact: The production and disposal of electronic devices have significant environmental impacts.

• Key Works, People, Resources:

  • Nathan Ensmenger, The Computer Boys Take Over: Computers, Programmers, and the Politics of Technical Expertise

Computer Hardware (1940s CE)

Inventor/Discoverer: Developed by pioneers such as John Atanasoff, Clifford Berry, and the team at the University of Pennsylvania (ENIAC).

Viewpoint in Favor:

- Foundation of Modern Computing: Hardware advancements have been fundamental to the development of modern computing, enabling powerful and efficient machines.

- Key Works, People, Resources:

- Charles Petzold, Code: The Hidden Language of Computer Hardware and Software

Viewpoint Against:

- Environmental and Ethical Concerns: The production and disposal of computer hardware have significant environmental impacts, and there are ethical concerns regarding labor conditions in manufacturing.

- Key Works, People, Resources:

- Elizabeth Grossman, High Tech Trash: Digital Devices, Hidden Toxics, and Human Health

Computer Software (1950s CE)

Inventor/Discoverer: Early pioneers like Ada Lovelace, Alan Turing, and John von Neumann.

Viewpoint in Favor:

- Enabling Technology: Computer software has enabled the functionality of computers, leading to the development of countless applications and systems that enhance productivity, creativity, and communication.

- Key Works, People, Resources:

- Martin Campbell-Kelly, From Airline Reservations to Sonic the Hedgehog: A History of the Software Industry

Viewpoint Against:

- Security and Dependence Issues: Software vulnerabilities can lead to security breaches, and there is a growing dependence on software that can lead to systemic risks and a loss of manual skills.

- Key Works, People, Resources:

- Bruce Schneier, Secrets and Lies: Digital Security in a Networked World

Video Games (1950s-1970s CE)

Inventor/Discoverer: Early developments by William Higinbotham, Ralph Baer, and companies like Atari.

Viewpoint in Favor:

- Entertainment and Cognitive Benefits: Video games provide entertainment, improve cognitive skills, and have educational potential.

- Key Works, People, Resources:

- Jane McGonigal, Reality Is Broken: Why Games Make Us Better and How They Can Change the World

Viewpoint Against:

- Addiction and Violence Concerns: There are concerns about video game addiction and the potential link between violent video games and aggressive behavior.

- Key Works, People, Resources:

- Dave Grossman, Stop Teaching Our Kids to Kill: A Call to Action Against TV, Movie, and Video Game Violence

Genetic Engineering (1973 CE)

Inventor/Discoverer: Herbert Boyer and Stanley Cohen.

Viewpoint in Favor:

• Medical and Agricultural Benefits: Genetic engineering has led to breakthroughs in medicine and agriculture, including the development of genetically modified crops and gene therapies.

• Key Works, People, Resources:

  • Walter Isaacson, The Code Breaker: Jennifer Doudna, Gene Editing, and the Future of the Human Race

Viewpoint Against:

• Ethical and Ecological Concerns: Genetic engineering raises ethical issues and potential ecological risks, including unintended consequences for natural ecosystems.

• Key Works, People, Resources:

  • Vandana Shiva, Stolen Harvest: The Hijacking of the Global Food Supply

Mobile Phones (1973 CE, first handheld mobile phone)

Inventor/Discoverer: Martin Cooper, Motorola.

Viewpoint in Favor:

• Revolutionized Communication: Mobile phones have transformed communication, making it possible to stay connected anywhere and anytime.

• Key Works, People, Resources:

  • Tomi Ahonen, The Insider's Guide to Mobile: Essential Information for Industry Executives and Investors

Viewpoint Against:

• Health and Social Concerns: Concerns include potential health risks from prolonged exposure to mobile phone radiation and the impact on social interactions.

• Key Works, People, Resources:

  • Sherry Turkle, Reclaiming Conversation: The Power of Talk in a Digital Age

Renewable Energy Technologies (e.g., Solar Panels, Wind Turbines) (1970s-1980s CE)

Inventor/Discoverer: Various inventors and innovators.

Viewpoint in Favor:

• Environmental Benefits: Renewable energy technologies offer sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and reliance on finite resources.

• Key Works, People, Resources:

  • Al Gore, An Inconvenient Truth: The Planetary Emergency of Global Warming and What We Can Do About It

Viewpoint Against:

• Economic and Practical Challenges: Challenges include high initial costs, intermittent energy supply, and the need for technological advancements.

• Key Works, People, Resources:

  • Vaclav Smil, Energy Myths and Realities: Bringing Science to the Energy Policy Debate

The Microprocessor (1971 CE)

Inventor/Discoverer: Federico Faggin, Marcian Hoff, Stanley Mazor, and Masatoshi Shima at Intel.

Viewpoint in Favor:

• Revolutionized Computing: The microprocessor has driven the development of modern computing, enabling the creation of personal computers, smartphones, and countless other devices.

• Key Works, People, Resources:

  • Michael S. Malone, The Microprocessor: A Biography

Viewpoint Against:

• Environmental and Ethical Issues: The production of microprocessors involves significant environmental impact and raises ethical concerns regarding labor conditions in manufacturing.

• Key Works, People, Resources:

  • Sophie Frangou, Silicon Valley and the Environmental Costs of Innovation

The Internet (1960s-1980s CE)

Inventor/Discoverer: Developed by DARPA and other research institutions.

Viewpoint in Favor:

• Global Connectivity and Information Access: The Internet has revolutionized communication, information access, and commerce, connecting people globally.

• Key Works, People, Resources:

  • Tim Berners-Lee, Weaving the Web: The Original Design and Ultimate Destiny of the World Wide Web

Viewpoint Against:

• Privacy and Security Concerns: The Internet has led to significant privacy and security challenges, including data breaches, surveillance, and cybercrime.

• Key Works, People, Resources:

  • Bruce Schneier, Click Here to Kill Everybody: Security and Survival in a Hyper-connected World

The World Wide Web (1989 CE)

Inventor/Discoverer: Tim Berners-Lee.

Viewpoint in Favor:

• Information Sharing and Collaboration: The World Wide Web has enabled unprecedented information sharing, collaboration, and innovation.

• Key Works, People, Resources:

  • Tim Berners-Lee, Weaving the Web: The Original Design and Ultimate Destiny of the World Wide Web

Viewpoint Against:

• Digital Divide and Misinformation: The Web has exacerbated the digital divide and facilitated the spread of misinformation and harmful content.

• Key Works, People, Resources:

  • Cass R. Sunstein, #Republic: Divided Democracy in the Age of Social Media

Bioengineering Food (Late 20th century CE)

Inventor/Discoverer: Various scientists and researchers.

Viewpoint in Favor:

• Improved Crop Yields and Nutrition: Bioengineering has led to crops with higher yields, improved nutritional content, and resistance to pests and diseases.

• Key Works, People, Resources:

  • Nina V. Fedoroff, Mendel in the Kitchen: A Scientist's View of Genetically Modified Foods

Viewpoint Against:

• Ethical and Ecological Concerns: There are concerns about the long-term ecological impacts, potential health risks, and ethical issues related to genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

• Key Works, People, Resources:

  • Jeffrey M. Smith, Seeds of Deception: Exposing Industry and Government Lies About the Safety of the Genetically Engineered Foods You're Eating

Climate Change Technologies (Late 20th - early 21st century CE)

Inventor/Discoverer: Various scientists and engineers.

Viewpoint in Favor:

• Mitigating Climate Change: Technologies like carbon capture, renewable energy, and energy efficiency improvements are crucial for mitigating climate change.

• Key Works, People, Resources:

  • Al Gore, An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power

Viewpoint Against:

• Economic and Implementation Challenges: There are significant economic, political, and practical challenges to implementing these technologies on a global scale.

• Key Works, People, Resources:

  • Bjorn Lomborg, False Alarm: How Climate Change Panic Costs Us Trillions, Hurts the Poor, and Fails to Fix the Planet

Social Media (Early 2000s CE)

Inventor/Discoverer: Platforms like Friendster, MySpace, Facebook, Twitter.

Viewpoint in Favor:

- Enhanced Connectivity and Communication: Social media has transformed how people connect, share information, and communicate on a global scale.

- Key Works, People, Resources:

- Clay Shirky, Here Comes Everybody: The Power of Organizing Without Organizations

Viewpoint Against:

- Privacy and Mental Health Concerns: Social media has raised significant privacy issues and has been linked to negative impacts on mental health, including anxiety, depression, and addiction.

- Key Works, People, Resources:

- Cal Newport, Digital Minimalism: Choosing a Focused Life in a Noisy World

Attention Economy (Exploitation vs. Positive Engagement) (Early 2000s CE)

Inventor/Discoverer: Concept popularized by various scholars and industry leaders.

Viewpoint in Favor:

• Positive Engagement: The attention economy can drive innovation and provide valuable content and services to users.

• Key Works, People, Resources:

  • Tim Wu, The Attention Merchants: The Epic Scramble to Get Inside Our Heads

Viewpoint Against:

• Exploitation and Mental Health: The attention economy can exploit users' attention, leading to negative impacts on mental health and well-being.

• Key Works, People, Resources:

  • Shoshana Zuboff, The Age of Surveillance Capitalism: The Fight for a Human Future at the New Frontier of Power

New AI Wave in 2020s (2020s CE)

Inventor/Discoverer: Various researchers and tech companies.

Viewpoint in Favor:

• Technological Advancements: The new wave of AI has led to significant advancements in machine learning, natural language processing, and automation, enhancing various industries.

• Key Works, People, Resources:

  • Kai-Fu Lee, AI Superpowers: China, Silicon Valley, and the New World Order

Viewpoint Against:

• Ethical and Societal Concerns: This wave of AI raises ethical concerns, including bias in AI systems, job displacement, and the potential for misuse.

• Key Works, People, Resources:

  • Cathy O'Neil, Weapons of Math Destruction: How Big Data Increases Inequality and Threatens Democracy