Wizards and Prophets both believe that Margulis is wrong—that Crusoe and the others would have gained enough knowledge to save themselves. They would have either used this knowledge to create technology to soar beyond natural constraints (as Wizards hope) or changed their survival strategy from expanding their presence to living in a steady-state accommodation with what the island offered (as Prophets wish).
Wizards and Prophets both believe that Margulis is wrong—that Crusoe and the others would have gained enough knowledge to save themselves. They would have either used this knowledge to create technology to soar beyond natural constraints (as Wizards hope) or changed their survival strategy from expanding their presence to living in a steady-state accommodation with what the island offered (as Prophets wish).
This would seem to be the central question contemplated by this book - will people be wise enough to overcome the limits nature imposes on other species or will we find a pathway to a new fate.
