Reading 1001 discussion

Discuss the ways in which 2001 explores the possibility of non-human intelligence. What are the main examples of non human intelligence and how do they influence the storyline?

The aliens that visit earth in prehistoric times on not humanoid at all but like pillars of crystal that communicate telepathically to the the ape men. The aliens advance to no body at all but essentially spirits or god like beings.

The beings who created the TMA1 are definitely non human intelligence they have a major impact on the storyline as they lead to the development of the human race and to the Discovery's mission.

HAL is another example but within the realms of the book apart from killing all the humans except Dave it doesn't really have an impact.

I agree with Book and Kristel

Agree, nothing new to add.

I don't see the crystal column as an alien life form, but rather an artifact used to nudge or enhance an existing potential in a different direction.

Given that the spark of intelligence present in the ape-man was significantly influenced by TMA0 - has humanity developed on its own or is it the creation of some alien entity?

Sushicat wrote: "I don't see the crystal column as an alien life form, but rather an artifact used to nudge or enhance an existing potential in a different direction.

Given that the spark of intelligence present i..."

I agree, I didn't think the crystal column was an alien life form either.

I do agree with Kristel that they seem non-corporal.