Do computers provide a means by which Ayn Rand Objectivists could become collectivist?

[Peter Patterson]

There are theories out that within 15 years computers will become smarter than humans in all ways. At the same time, we are going to continue merging with machines -- just as everyone has adopted smartphones and Facebook, soon we'll literally merge our intellects with machines.

So, my question is, since Ayn Rand and her Objectivists believe in the supremacy of rational thought and machines are completely rational, does this mean that in the future they might advocate plugging our individual consciousnesses into collective machines so that we can become completely rational beings?

Please explain why or why not. Thank you.

[Don H]

First, I do not see much logic in Ayn Rand's theories.

Theories that do not take such obvious factors as perspective and variability of life situation into account, don't sound all that rational to me. It looks more like pointing out things that support your preconceptions and ignoring everything that doesn't.

A computer if not likely to come to conclusions that way.

[michael bravo]

computers just process ones and zeros. it will be a very long time before they can simulate actual thoughts and form some kind of collective consciousness. i doubt ayn rand will be relevant so far in the future. her philosophy is primitive and reactionary.

[michinoku2001]

No, your accusing Ayn Rand of rationality. Mainly she was an advocate of Ayn Rand. Look at how she disdained modern art. Sure, she had an elaborate explanation of why it was contrary to her philosophy, but in the end...she just didn't like it. Since she didn't like it, all her followers were expected not to like it. You don't have to be a genius to see why that is inconsistent with her notions of individualism. By the same method latter-day Objectivists would come up with a high minded reason why they didn't want to merge with computers.

[Enki]

I do not like the idea of merging machines with humans. Why will any school of Philosophy want to do it except perhaps cyborg freaks. If humans and machine merge we will become less than humans and then what is the point of anything? We might as well all die.