David's Sling (novel)

David's Sling is a speculative fiction novel written by Marc Stiegler and published in 1988.

In the face of an uneasy standoff between the U.S. and the USSR, the story presents a future in which both nations are hesitant to use nuclear weapons and instead turn their attention to developing highly advanced, computer-controlled smart weapons. The book's title references the biblical story of David and Goliath, symbolizing a smaller, technologically inferior force overcoming a larger one.

Plot
Set amidst the tensions of the Cold War, the story commences with the U.S. and the USSR embarking on an arms race to develop the ultimate "smart weapon". A team of U.S. hackers devises an innovative solution - a weapon system directed not merely by computer algorithms, but by democratic discourse. This system, known as the "Information Decision Duel," is an intricate online debate platform that enables two parties to thoroughly examine their arguments before a neutral referee chooses the more persuasive side, thus guiding the weapon's trajectory.

The narrative puts a strong emphasis on the practical application of knowledge. For instance, a fictional character, Kira Evans, proposes that "In the Information Age, the first step to sanity is FILTERING. Filter the information; extract the knowledge." The third chapter opens with a quote from renowned author H.G. Wells: "History is a race between education and catastrophe." The book foresees challenges associated with the internet, even before its creation. On page 57, Dr. Hammond raises a pertinent question: "And everyone learns statistics--but how many people can tell the difference between newspaper articles that use statistics to illuminate the truth, and articles that use them to conceal it?" To tackle these issues, the "Zetetic Institute" in the book develops modules called Personal Enhancement Programs (or PEPs), precursors to online learning.

Characters
David's Sling features a cast mainly composed of hackers, information technologists, and military personnel.

Kira Evans: The protagonist of the story, Kira is a skilled hacker renowned for writing the Zetetic Commentaries, a series of essays that delve into the nature of reality and the limits of human understanding. Recruited by the U.S. government, she helps in developing an advanced smart weapon with the potential to resolve the Cold War.

John Smith: A former CIA agent, Smith now works for the Zetetic Institute, a think tank committed to exploring novel worldviews. He serves as Kira's mentor and guide, aiding her in understanding the implications of her work.

General Thomas Jackson: As the leader of the U.S. military's Strategic Defense Initiative, Jackson is a firm believer in the transformative potential of advanced technology in warfare. Unafraid of risks, he is driven towards achieving victory.

Dr. Alexander Petrov: A Russian scientist working on a project similar to Kira's, Petrov is an outstanding scientist and unwavering ideologue who is willing to do whatever it takes to win the Cold War.

Reception
David's Sling received positive reviews for its evocative depiction of a possible future conflict and its exploration of the burgeoning Age of Information. Stanley Schmidt from Analog Magazine suggested that the novel should be essential reading for all politicians. The publisher underscored the distinctiveness of David's Sling, highlighting Stiegler's dual qualifications as an award-nominated science fiction author and an information technologist. They noted it may mark the first time a qualified writer has fully explored the concept of "smart weapons". Even years after its publication, David's Sling remains influential and highly respected. Considered one of the early novels to explore the potential risks of emerging technologies, it has served as an inspiration for numerous authors. Additionally, the novel was a nominee for the Best Novel category in the Prometheus Awards.