maximalism.mdwn (1249B)
1 **Maximalism** is, generally speaking, the idea that more is better. It 2 often incorporates the idea that qualitative improvements are dependent on 3 quantitative increases – that "progress" is not even possible without 4 quantitative growth. Maximalism is prominent in many areas of modern 5 technological civilization but is particularly so in computing, thanks to 6 [[Moore's law]]. 7 8 Maximalist [[aesthetics]] strives for the maximization of resolution and 9 detail. This leads to increased screen sizes and growing bandwidth 10 requirements. 11 12 Maximalism leads to an increasing use of artificial energy and other limited 13 resources, even when the energy efficiency is dramatically improved (see 14 [[Jevons paradox]]). This is extremely unsustainable, so permacomputing 15 prefers to take an anti-maximalist, "small is beautiful" type of stance that 16 emphasizes qualitative improvements and [[technological diversity]]. 17 18 **Extropianism**, as advocated by the [[transhumanist|Californian ideology]] 19 philosopher Max More (sic), is an extreme philosophical stance based on 20 maximalist ideals. It dreams of things such as human immortality, 21 quantitative intelligence maximization and an endless expansion of the 22 maximization-oriented "civilization" into the outer space.