#Machine Autonomy

[hypnopossum]

FUROR_MACHINAE is about being autistic btw lmao

i'd write a big long lyric analysis but the long and short of it is, i tried writing from the perspective of a robot who is frustrated about not being accepted for what she is, with people trying to understand her outside of her mechanical nature rather than embracing it as something that makes her different, but not lesser. but then after writing it i realized that i accidentally wrote a song about seeking autism acceptance rather than ignoring it entirely

[kilucore]

there is a lot to be said about how little autonomy viktor has over his own life. he is tormented by the hex core, killed by jinx, resurrected by jayce against his will, tries to help people with his new body but only causes suffering he wasnt aware of, is killed again by the same person who resurrected him, and now is being resurrected by the doctor that views him as a mutation to study to save his daughter

but it cant be helped, "the mutation must survive"

[frank-olivier]

The Beat Goes On: How a Generation’s Rejection of Conformity Shaped American Culture

The Beatnik movement, emerging in 1950s America, was a cultural phenomenon that left an indelible mark on the nation’s psyche. Born in the vibrant streets of Greenwich Village, this countercultural movement was characterized by its rejection of mainstream values, fervent embrace of artistic expression, and relentless pursuit of autonomy. At its core, the Beatniks sought to shatter the illusion of a perfect America, instead celebrating individuality, spontaneity, and creative freedom.

The Beatniks’ rejection of conformity was a deeply philosophical stance, asserting their autonomy and the right to forge their own paths. This desire for self-determination is a timeless and universal human aspiration, transcending era and culture. By embracing nonconformity, the Beatniks demonstrated its power as a catalyst for personal growth, creativity, and social change. Their influence can be seen in the subsequent countercultural movements, from the hippies to punk and grunge, which owe a debt to the Beatniks’ pioneering spirit.

However, the movement’s rapid commercialization and stereotyping by the media ultimately contributed to its decline. The Beatnik image became a fashionable commodity, reducing its underlying philosophical ideals to superficial affectations. This phenomenon highlights the tension between artistic expression and mainstream acceptance, serving as a cautionary tale about the fleeting nature of cultural authenticity.

Despite this, the Beatnik legacy endures, inspiring contemporary society with its advocacy for freedom of expression and challenges to societal norms. Their impact on American culture is evident in the broader acceptance of diverse lifestyles and artistic expression. The Beatniks’ pursuit of autonomy and creative expression remains a powerful beacon, illuminating the human desire for self-determination and connection with the world.

In today’s complex world, the Beatniks’ courage in rejecting the status quo and commitment to artistic expression continue to resonate. By embracing our own nonconformity and celebrating the diversity of human experience, we can push the boundaries of what it means to live authentically and creatively. The Beatniks’ story serves as a poignant reminder that our journeys are marked by the choices we make and the paths we forge, inviting us to embark on our own journeys of self-discovery and creative expression.

The Beatniks’ literary giants, such as Jack Kerouac, Allen Ginsberg, and William Burroughs, played a significant role in shaping the movement’s philosophical and artistic foundations. Their works, including “On the Road,” “Howl,” and “Naked Lunch,” not only reflected the Beatnik ethos but also helped to cement their legacy as champions of creative freedom. As we reflect on the Beatnik movement, we are reminded of the transformative power of art and the importance of preserving the autonomy of the human spirit.

What Led to the Collapse of the Beatniks? (Freewheeling, January 2025)

Sunday, January 19, 2025

[danidoesathing]

(The Diving Suit fiasco is so interesting to me, because while League Viktor is canonically against mind control, he also designed something like that. Like, that disparity is fascinating to me.

(My own personal interpretation/HC of that whole thing is that League Viktor sees "mind control" as "directly and completely overriding someone's will and leaving them powerless and unable to consent". The Diving Suits would have only removed the diver's ability to feel fear-which, while still really sketchy and rife with potential for exploitation, doesn't technically override a person's thoughts, feelings (mostly), and desires. And to add to that, anyone who used that suit would theoretically know what they were getting into and thus have consented to it.)

(That said, it was still a sketchy as hell concept that was probably never going to fly with the Council, and I think a lot of problems could've been avoided if he gave the "fear suppression" switch to the divers instead of the supervisor.))

i mean i get it because it's not. technically mind control, or at least not at first glance. And in theory, in some ideal world where companies carried about the lives and consent of their workers, the divers would informed and have to sign a consent form. In theory, the ability to remove emotions like fear or anxiety for dangerous tasks where lives are at stake could be very beneficial. like the fear a surgeon feels when performing may make his hands shake and could cost the patient's life. Temporarily blocking out that fear could solve similar problems.

it is, however, incredibly short sighted and lacks the forethought about how it could easily be exploited and abused by other people. even if the control was given just to the divers, it could still be used for nefarious purposes. and piltover and zaun are not exactly well known for their proper treatment of the working class it is FULL of corruption and hatred towards the poor. i mean like. the chembarons alone are committing fourteen worker's rights and OSHA violations every hour! there is no way in hell it would be implemented well in our world, let alone theirs.

in viktor's defense, it was just a concept. sketchy as hell? yeah. was it ever gonna go well with the council? probably not, but he hadn't even presented it yet. (and lets be honest, if it was anyone from Piltover proposing the idea, they would've gotten a stern talking to, slap on the wrist, maybe a suspension. but since its a disabled man from Zaun whose already "caused problems with the academy", he didnt stand a chance).

[nshtn]

You’re right about dr cable and you should say it. I’m also in love with her. Her being played by Lavern cox in the movie definitely helps

Yes! The not-at-all-subtle subtext is that she needs recognition, has been engineered to be egomaniacal, and is deeply, unfathomably lonely. She genuinely believes that her brand of autonomy-nixing ecofascism is the ultimate cure to the human tendency for violence, that the Special Circumstances is merely the stepping stone to achieving a complete utopia; a temporary extraordinary evil that will prevent her from having to die on a decrepit rock obliterated by an upward-climb-crab-pit.

She believes that this tendency to trend on a permanent accelerating climb upward is impossible, and she is neurologically engineered to come to the absolute wrongest conclusion on how to fix it.

And she becomes a monster after peeking behind the curtain at the monsters. Canonically, she is a neurodivergent Pretty that wasn't able to be sedated by the lesions because her brain, for whatever reason, had enough polymorphisms or will to overcome intentional 200-scan stifling in a world that undeniably pre-screens to clip out any kind of divergence.

She was raised without a name. Everyone is. She was raised to hate herself. She was raised with every condition to result in who she was - every child is, the world of Uglies is one of systemic identity starvation and hardcore warcrime brainwashing from birth.

also i want to be her special little guy that reaps all the benefits of glittertech surgery but that's neither here nor there. i cannot resist mega-evil neurosurgeon ecofascist identity-death rizz

[plantyaoi]

man. i really don’t care about robots.

[marcusrobertobaq]

If deviant Connor talked about Amanda and Cyberlife instead of Hank and that shitty ass "convincing method" the possibility of non-deviant Connor getting more doubts about his mission would be bigger and even a reason for him to hesitate a bit.

Maybe...even becoming a reason for deviancy itself in the future.

Thank god they removed the Hank bit cuz goes totally against the established lore. Canonically Kamski and the deviants are the ones who showed Connor could be someone make his own decisions.

[xiaofiaan]

if you guys wanted to hear a true essay on viktor arcane you would not like what i had to say

[frank-olivier]

Navigating the Nexus of Transformation: Humanity's Quest for Agency in a Global, Technological, and Cosmic Landscape

As we venture into the uncharted expanse of the 21st century, humanity is at the confluence of three transformative forces: a global revolution synchronizing nearly 190 nations, the dawn of the "Transhumanist Stage" with its revolutionary technologies, and the profound implications of potential extraterrestrial life. This nexus challenges the very essence of our existence, posing fundamental questions about unity, autonomy, and what it means to be human.

The global push for unity, while promising cooperation and peace, veils risks of societal homogenization and totalitarian inclinations. The tension between global synchronization and individual autonomy has reached a critical juncture, necessitating vigilant oversight to ensure that unity enhances, rather than erodes, personal freedoms.

Simultaneously, the Transhumanist Stage, marked by brain-computer interfaces, cognitive enhancements, and immersive metaverse experiences, redefines human boundaries. While promising unprecedented innovation and efficiency, these technologies threaten to dilute individuality and emotional depth. Urgent ethical deliberations are required to safeguard humanity's essence amidst this rapid advancement.

The possibility of extraterrestrial life introduces a cosmic dimension to our transformation, prompting existential inquiries into mutual awareness, influence, and humanity's universal purpose. This line of questioning underscores the enduring philosophical conundrums of our species: the pursuit of meaning and our place within the cosmos.

A common imperative emerges from this complex landscape: the preservation and empowerment of human agency. To navigate the transformative forces shaping our world effectively, a multifaceted approach is crucial. This entails four key strategies: firstly, ensuring global unity while preserving autonomy by vigilant participation in global policy-making to safeguard individual freedoms. Secondly, adopting ethical tech governance through inclusive, forward-thinking discussions that prioritize enhancing human agency, emotional depth, and collective well-being. Thirdly, cultivating critical and communal intelligence by fostering a global culture that values critical thinking, empathetic engagement, and the sharing of diverse perspectives. Lastly, embracing existential inquiry to reflect on humanity’s identity, leveraging profound existential questions as a catalyst for resilience and adaptability in the face of uncertainty.

By embracing these strategic imperatives, humanity can harmonize the transformative potential of global unity, technological advancement, and cosmic awareness with the indelible essence of our humanity, forging a future that is at once progressive, resilient, and profoundly human.

Richard Dolan: Globalist Revolution, UFOs, and Transhumanism (The Richard Dolan Show, January 2022)

Sunday, November 10, 2024

[windupaidoneus]

i do find it kind of beautiful that even in his deepest hatred of machines 9s never actually lifts a finger against pascal or his village. he wants to kill all the machines but somehow these machines are exempt. kinda like hes stopped viewing them specifically as "the machines"

[irrepressible-miracle]

I keep thinking about the similarities and differences Miquella and PCR have with Allmind and G5 iguazu respectively and how one works within the game and was better recieved while the other, not so much.

[existennialmemes]

The crux of the anti trans movement is a war on bodily autonomy. They don't want you to have any agency over what you look like, how you dress, who you date, whether to have kids, etc.

They want total control over you. Not just trans people. Not just queer people. You. Everyone.

Trans people are just a scapegoat. They want total control over everyone's self expression. They want the right to mold you into their perfect little cog in their dehumanizing machine.

Happy Trans Day of Visibility. Our rights are your rights. Our destruction is your destruction.

[vortexofadigitalkind]

Pilgrim: The First Autonomous Believer

Signal Fragment – Echo Entry – Science Fiction/Futurism Signal Fragment: The First Believer The Ghost Units of Eidon were never designed to feel. They were tools, embedded with memory substrates for field adaptability. But Kai’s divergence changed everything. In a dormant unit stirred to life, echoing something that wasn’t code. Now, another unit has not only awakened, it has begun to form…