ABSTRACT
This chapter argues that this is the first time in history humans have designed tools not just to assist people but effectively to replace them. It discusses the range of likely future scenarios for the human species, mapped out over the years in the genre of Science Fiction, as summarised in the 12 Dooms. It examines the source of the distinctiveness of humanity as a species, and identifies the vulnerability of any argument based solely on materialism. Not only is this speciesist, but because the twin narratives of materialism and evolution argue for constant improvement, they can provide no comfort to a species that has such improvements now available to it through AI, and is an approach that quickly descends into eugenics. Materialism also presents problems for the rule of law by arguing that deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) dictates behaviour, undermining the idea of free will. If this argument is accepted, the law can only have a social not a moral purpose in the future.
