Ken Perlin

Yes the mouseless pad was sweet, and being able to empathize with a flying bird was something I've never experienced, but our conversation with Ken Perlin was where his genius really came out. When asked about his technology's involvement with the military industrial complex, he pointed out that not only is the military a positive thing when used correctly, like defense, but even under the Bush administration Perlin's technology is used productively as it helps save lives by enabling the virtual flight simulation technology that prevents troops from having to risk their lives in real life training exercises. Point taken. But one thing that stands out above all else was his philosophy on technology. Perlin views humans as virtual beings. Traditionally we associate the term "virtual" with computer technology. However, Perlin wants to remove the mystique and mystery that is "technology" and recognize that even the most advanced computer technology is a human invention on the same level with language. If we think of virtual interaction as that done through a computer, a line can be drawn from a computer to other technologies such as language and clothes. All day every day humans are having to communicate with man made symbols and sounds while representing themselves with man made clothes in man made buildings. We are completely tied to our technologies, and are therefore virtual beings. Going further he claims that no technology is really better or worse than another, rather certain technologies work better for humans than others, so we therefore adopt that which enables the most ease of use. Well put Ken.