Empyrean

Chain reactions of nerve firings in our brains give rise to our perceptions, actions, thoughts and consciousness. Later this century, humans will be able to thinly slice a person's brain, scan the neural connections, and produce a functionally identical network the same person with the same memories and personality but made from silicon rather than carbon. A computer connected to this silicon brain will provide sensory input and react to motor output, producing a virtual reality, seemingly as real as our present reality.

The difference is that this virtual reality can be whatever we want it to be. We will choose our own bodies, ones not afflicted by pain or sickness, ugliness, ageing or death; there will be no limit to the enchanting and exciting experiences we can enjoy or the beautiful people we can enjoy them with; we will be able to satisfy all our desires and live out all our dreams and fantasies.

The prospect of such an idyllic life will entice many to opt for the conversion. What's more, the unconverted will benefit greatly from the existence of the converted, giving them a reason not to stand in their way. But for the religious of the world those who believe in God and the immortal human soul it will be a different matter. Conflict is assured.

This is the story of Narlo and Hannah who, in 2120, return from a long space trip. They find life and international relations to be very different from when they left and are forced to make a difficult decision about the form of their future lives.

Although it is set as a novel, it is intended as a serious prediction of the possible state of the world and humanity early next century.

Dettagli