In the genre of sci-fi Aipotu gives us an unusual insight into the human condition through the eyes of an artificial intelligence. Narrated by Colossus the story follows a group of humans who have, involvement in the evolution of the system, one who has sociopathic genius and the relatively ordinary people caught in between. Foresaw has created a work that has philosophy, sociology and cybernetics, and it’s a good read!
Colossus is a machine, a computer with a persona. It is the benign instrument of global governance over all of mankind programmed with overriding rules to protect life and well-being.
The concept of computer beings taking over is a common theme. The horrors of machines taking over all functions of governance and becoming self perpetuating were alluded to by Stephen Hawking as one of the greatest dangers facing the World. Aipotu, is different.
Foresaw paints a picture in which the computer and it’s evolution is Strictly controlled by the humans of ‘The Institute’.
He shows us a global ‘nanny’ state overseen by Colossus. Rules are continually added to cover all eventualities, stifling free thought and innovation. In effect the rule of law becomes the law of the rules. The parallels in the world are plain to see today. The system comes under attack from forces within lead by the disaffected sociopath in the story. The attack is defeated but Colossus has seen the danger underlying the ‘perfect’ system and advises it’s designers to modify it by the creation of wild uncontrolled spaces in the world where people can go innovate, think freely, misbehave and take the risks. This is Aipotu, a backward utopia.
The scenario is believable in terms of where technology, systems of governance and social development stand today. Foresaw does however come close to bringing the evolution of Colossus to a point where it might become uncontrollable. Could this be the sequel?
29 September 2018
