Philosophical Queries of a Nerd: Dreams, Robots, and Other Mysteries of the Mind

Many may think that nerds and geeks have a singular focus. They may believe that our intellectual prowess can only be contained within one topic of our interest. While this may be true sometimes, it doesn’t mean our thoughts always align with these interests. Oftentimes, like most people, our minds wander. We wonder what we would do in certain situations, what would happen if the world were a certain way, and ask ourselves questions that probably have no concrete answers (yet).

In the distant future, I wouldn’t be surprised if we were counted among the philosophers of our time. In any case, we’re always asking questions. If not to others, then to ourselves.

Below are some of the questions I’ve pondered, along with my thoughts on them. I hope they spark some imagination in your own mind.

Note: This story/interview is from HackerNoon’s philosophical questions writing prompt. Feel free to answer these questions yourself in the comments below or fill out the prompt.

If automation replaces 70 percent of all possible human jobs, what do you think people will spend their time doing?

If automation replaces most human jobs, people may spend their time on hobbies or attempting to create small businesses.

But there is also a possibility of people conducting large-scale protests or riots against the parties responsible for such large-scale automation, which robbed them of their jobs. It all depends on how people adapt to such a shift in the job market.

In such a case, what do you think the governance structure will look like?

The overall structure of the government may stay the same. I don’t see how automation could replace the intricate mess of politics and bureaucracy. Furthermore, I don’t think people will be too keen on the idea of AI or robots taking on roles in the government. It would defeat the notion of a government by the people, for the people.

Could you survive in a post-apocalyptic wasteland?

I’m sure many of those who played Fallout, The Long Dark, or the dozens of other survival games out there have asked themselves that at some point, myself included.

While I never earned the Wilderness Survival merit badge during my time in the Boy Scouts, I believe I could survive a post-apocalyptic wasteland, at least for a couple of weeks. Aside from food, water, and shelter, my main priority would be finding other survivors and forming a group if I wasn’t already a part of one.

It’s been proven repeatedly that people in a group last longer in a survival situation than those who attempt to do so independently. Stories of lone survivors are reserved for movie main characters, video game protagonists, and those with special forces training. I don't fall under these categories as a nerd writing articles on a tech website. I’d have better chances of surviving by finding a group of like-minded people and setting up camp on the roof of a Wal-Mart.

Could you survive in a bunker? How would you do it? How would you go without trackers picking up your radio frequencies?

While certain aspects may be challenging, I could survive in a bunker. I’d stockpile plenty of non-perishable food, water, and first aid supplies.

I’d also have a stash of electronic and print media to stay entertained. If circumstances permitted me to leave now and again, I’d go out to gather supplies and reach out to other survivors. This would be when I would use a radio to try to contact other survivors. By transmitting from a different location and doing so in a particular window of time, I could avoid getting traced back to my bunker.

Are you afraid of a robot army? How would you fight against one if you had to?

I wouldn’t say I’m afraid of a robot army, but I definitely wouldn’t want to go and fight one, either. If I were forced to fight a robot army, I would use guerrilla tactics. I’d lure them to a location and use minefields and other traps (using powerful magnets whenever possible) to thin the ranks before they get wise.

If their remaining numbers are small enough, I’d then pick off the rest by ambushing them with some like-minded friends. If the traps didn’t work, I’d retreat and try again elsewhere. Rinse and repeat until the army becomes a new junkyard.

What is consciousness?

Our consciousness is our sense of identity. It is our beliefs, awareness, and ability to produce active thoughts.

Does life require a purpose and a goal?

While a purpose and a goal can help guide us in life, they are not necessarily required to live life. Sometimes you just need to stop momentarily and take in what’s around you.

Does fate exist?

I don’t think fate exists. It’s a core concept in many works of fiction, but the idea that there is some force that predetermines the outcome of all events just denies the concept of free will and choice. It would mean that we have no control over our own lives.

What is intelligence?

Intelligence is the knowledge we’ve collected throughout our life and our ability to apply that knowledge in appropriate situations.

Why do we dream?

Our brains never switch off during our lives. When we sleep, our mind is still processing our unconscious thoughts. That’s probably why our dreams don’t make much sense yet contain enough recognizable things to leave an impression on us.

They’re a mix of memories, experiences, ideas, and emotions. That’s my theory, at least. It would explain the concept behind dream interpretation.

What did you think of my answers to these questions? Let me know yours in the comments below. I’d love to hear your thoughts and see where we agree or disagree.

This story/interview is from HackerNoon’s philosophical questions writing prompt. Feel free to answer these questions yourself in the comments below or fill out the prompt.

The lead image for this article was generated by HackerNoon's AI Image Generator via the prompt "Dreams, Robots, and Other Mysteries of the Mind".