11 Sep 04
Suppose that tomorrow, a alien spaceship flew by the Earth and fired a 'peace ray' that permanently made H. sapiens psychologically incapable of violence - trying to hurt someone or damage something became as arcane to us as trying to prove a mathematical theorem. How would the world change in the long run?
11 Sep 04
Originally posted by Acolytethis wepon is incredibly powerfull,
Suppose that tomorrow, a alien spaceship flew by the Earth and fired a 'peace ray' that permanently made H. sapiens psychologically incapable of violence - trying to hurt someone or damage something became as arcane to us as trying to prove a mathematical theorem. How would the world change in the long run?
it would wipe out the human species,
the little aliens would take over our planet,
in the long run however: they would turn this weapom on themselves and wipe themselves out.
this is the way of weapons.
so really not so different from how it is likely to go anyway ;-)
11 Sep 04
Originally posted by flexmoreThe aliens have no interest in conquering us, and they never visit our planet again. The question is, what would happen on Earth?
this wepon is incredibly powerfull,
it would wipe out the human species,
the little aliens would take over our planet,
in the long run however: they would turn this weapom on themselves and wipe themselves out.
this is the way of weapons.
so really not so different from how it is likely to go anyway ;-)
11 Sep 04
Originally posted by Acolytei think the ray was fired long ago and the theorems have already been proven.
Suppose that tomorrow, a alien spaceship flew by the Earth and fired a 'peace ray' that permanently made H. sapiens psychologically incapable of violence - trying to hurt someone or damage something became as arcane to us as trying to prove a mathematical theorem. How would the world change in the long run?
however, math just isn't that popular a subject compared to watching tv 🙁
in friendship,
prad
11 Sep 04
Originally posted by AcolyteWould this ray prevent people from doing potentially dangerous activities e.g. driving under the influence of alcohol? When does an accident become an avoidable accident?
Yes, but the peace ray only stops people deliberately damaging things. Accidents would still happen.
Furthermore, would we be compelled to perform life saving actions?
11 Sep 04
Originally posted by howardbradleyNo and no. We would be incapable of violence, where causing damage is the aim (and here I'm including things like shooting someone or launching a nuclear missile), but otherwise unaffected. A conversation between a violent and a non-violent person might go something like this:
Would this ray prevent people from doing potentially dangerous activities e.g. driving under the influence of alcohol? When does an accident become an avoidable accident?
Furthermore, would we be compelled to perform life saving actions?
V: If the prisoner tries to escape, shoot him.
NV: Why?
V: Because we don't want him to escape.
NV: How will shooting him stop him escaping?
V: Well, it'll either kill him or at least make him pass out.
NV: That's terrible! What's the point of shooting anyone if it's only going to hurt or kill them?
V: (rolls eyes) Fine - I'll hold the gun.
NV: I don't see why I should give you the gun, as it doesn't do anything useful, and I suspect you might fire it. Wouldn't it be better if we made sure no-one could use it accidentally?
(Prisoner escapes)
NV: What a shame. We could have helped him if only he'd stayed. I wonder why he ran away.
V: Look what you've done, you fool! (slaps NV)
NV: Ow! I think your hand slipped.
11 Sep 04
Originally posted by AcolyteNo it wouldn't it would go something like this
No and no. We would be incapable of violence, where causing damage is the aim (and here I'm including things like shooting someone or launching a nuclear missile), but otherwise unaffected. A conversation between a violent and a non-violent person might go something like this:
V: If the prisoner tries to escape, shoot him.
NV: Why?
V: Because we don ...[text shortened]... e ran away.
V: Look what you've done, you fool! (slaps NV)
NV: Ow! I think your hand slipped.
V: If the prisoner tries to escape, shoot him.
NV: Why?
V: Because we don't want him to escape.
NV: How will shooting him stop him escaping?
V: Well, it'll either kill him or at least make him pass out.
NV: That's terrible! What's the point of shooting anyone if it's only going to hurt or kill them?
V: (rolls eyes) Good point.
NV: Anyway I just remember there arn't any prisoners anymore as they all got let out for good behaviour.
V: True
NV: plus also didn't we get our layed off last week as there was no need prison officers? being that there are no prisoners etc...
V: How stupid of me to forget, you know my memory hasn't been same since those nice little aliens zapped us with that peace ray
12 Sep 04
Originally posted by AcolyteAlien species arrives "FORCES" us without our permission to become psychologically incapable of harming others?
Suppose that tomorrow, a alien spaceship flew by the Earth and fired a 'peace ray' that permanently made H. sapiens psychologically incapable of violence - trying to hurt someone or damage something became as arcane to us as trying to prove a mathematical theorem. How would the world change in the long run?
Such an act is itself violent as it denies the individual power and authority in their own life which is the true heart of violence. Loss of personal power is often the source of the psychological anguish which leads to violence between persons,and art, literature, music, faith, passion and love.
Such a "weapon" will deprive us of the ability to work through our pain to healing and reconcilliation. All hope is lost. Can we harm ourselves? We may as well start handing out the happy pills...a world of "peaceful" zombies.
Does this include all violence---verbal? physical? sexual? emotional?