Conscious

by Vic Grout

  But in a system where inequality itself was the wrong, it would be entirely simpler to identify and deal with greed. Yes, of course, just as now, there would be some who seek to cheat their way to an advantage. But if that advantage, itself was the clue, they would identify themselves. The role of the legal system would be to protect equality, not make arbitrary judgements on whether inequality was achieved ‘fairly’. We’d build houses and make clothes because people needed houses and clothes; we wouldn’t compete with each other all our lives to see who could afford the best ones! We wouldn’t drive around in cars that cost an amount that would feed our neighbour’s family for a year. We wouldn’t use horrible terms like ‘social mobility’ (when we really mean shuffling the deck in a few places to help the middle classes ignore the poor) because there’d be nothing that needed to be mobilised. Government would be there for people – not business (there would be no ‘business’). We could actually enjoy the benefits of technology: all of us – not just a select few. People would come first in everything. Don’t try to say it’s all been tried before: it hasn’t; and, anyway, even if it’s a risk, it’s one we have to take – the alternative kills us for sure. We won’t survive a decade of technocapitalism. We can’t leave the planet in the hands of the elite.

  The ultimate answer to the Fermi Paradox may be as much a social one as technological – although technology will be all too ready to assist in the suicide if we want it to. To have any chance at all, we have to change the political system from one that thrives on inequality and division to one that promotes equality and cooperation. And now may be our last chance; we won’t get another one: technology will see to that.

  Otherwise, capitalism’s greatest – its final – victory will be that, as it destroys us all, it has us all blaming each other!

  Your friends always, Aisha and Andy”

  About the Author

  Vic Grout has a BSc degree in Mathematics and Computing from the University of Exeter and a PhD in Communication Engineering (with thesis title, "Optimisation Techniques for Telecommunication Networks") from Plymouth Polytechnic, now the University of Plymouth. He is currently Professor of Computing Futures at Wrexham Glyndŵr University in Wales, having been previously Professor of Network Algorithms, Head of Computing, Associate Dean for Research and Director of the Centre for Applied Internet Research. He also serves on the UK National Committee of the Council of Professors and Heads of Computing (CPHC), as Chair of CPHC Wales, and on the British Computer Society (BCS) Information Privacy Expert Panel and Information Security Specialist Group Committee. He is an approved BCS accreditation assessor, an Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET) recommended speaker and a European Commission (EC) ‘Horizon 2020’ (H2020) Expert Research Assessor, panel Vice-chair and Ethics consultant.

  Vic has worked in senior positions in academia and industry for 30 years and has published and presented well over 400 technical research papers, articles, keynote addresses, patents and books. His research interests span several areas of computational mathematics, including artificial intelligence and the application of heuristic principles to large-scale problems in Internet design, modelling, simulation, management and control. He has also worked extensively on projects using Internet technologies to help the elderly and disabled live longer independent lives. He is an experienced ‘futurologist’ - with a particular focus on the social, political, ethical and moral dimensions of technological evolution, 'big data', ‘big connectivity’ and the 'Internet of Things' - and writes regularly in the “Turing’s Radiator” blog (vicgrout.net). Conscious is his first fictional novel.

  Professor Grout is a Chartered Engineer, Chartered Electrical Engineer, Chartered Scientist, Chartered Mathematician and Chartered IT Professional, a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, Institute of Mathematics and its Applications, British Computer Society and Institution of Engineering and Technology, a Senior Member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers and the Association of Computing Machinery, and a Member of the London Mathematical Society. He formed and chaired the biennial international conference series on Internet Technologies and Applications (ITA) and is a frequent contributor to TV and radio.

  Vic is married to Helen; together they have three sons: Jack, Danny and James. They live in Pen-y-Cae, near Rhosllanerchrugog in Wrexham, near to their sons and Daughter-in-Law-to-be, Heather, with grandchildren Killian, Lilith and Maizie, Faney the dog and Fred the cat. Aside from his academic, professional and writing interests, Vic enjoys playing acoustic and electric guitar, regular gym work, walking in the North Wales hills and tinkering with his MG car. He is a keen supporter of Southampton Football Club.

  Follow Vic on Twitter: @vicgrout