Discussion Post 8: Chapters 24-30

Respond to one (or more if you are behind in posting) of the following prompts:

1.  Chapter 24 talks extensively about the state of books and literature in this world.  What is unique about their system?  What about their system resonates as familiar within our own society regarding what gets published and why?

2. What, according to Chapter 24, is Vonnegut's attitude towards psychiatry?  Is it true that "somebody's just got to be maladjusted; that somebody'sgot to be uncomfortable enough to wonder where people are, where they're going, and why they're going there?"  How does this relate to our society and views towards psychology? Are they similar?

3.  Look at Chapter 26, page 255, 2nd paragraph starting with "Paul shook his head...".  What are the moral implications of man fighting next to machine?  What are the positives and negatives of this, and are we headed in this direction today?  What could this mean for our society?

4. Look at Chapter 30, page 300-303, which is Van Neumann's speech to the outside world.  What principles does he affirm about technology?  Do you agree with these principles?  Are there any of these principles that could potentially be problematic?

Discussion Post: Chapters 20-23

For Tuesday, choose a passage from the book, dialogue or event that you found interesting and discuss what you felt to be interesting or insightful about the passage.  If possible, relate it to the themes and events of the book thus far and discuss its impact on the novel, or expound on its relevance to Ilium society and/or our society today.  (When discussing the particular passage, provide either a quote, or chapter and page number.)