7 replies to this topic

[Great Ape]

We are fast approaching an event unprecedented in the history of human civilization. A tipping point known as the "Technological Singularity". When this happens, the world will change forever, a new chapter in human history will begin. In physics, a singularity is a point where gravity is so intense that even space and time begin to break down. Like the Big Bang or a black hole. But it also refers to a time when computer power grows without limit, surpassing human intelligence, sweeping aside everything in its path.

Computers, biotechnology, robotics and nanotechnology are self-accelerating; that is, the products of their own processes enable them to develop ever more rapidly. Within a few decades, machine intelligence could surpass human intelligence, leading to The Singularity. A technological change so rapid and profound it represents a rupture in the fabric of human history.

It may be 50 years away it may be a thousand, but most scientists agree, a Technological Singularity is inevitable. The fear is, if it's uncontrolled, the results could be catastrophic for the human race. Will we survive our technology, and if we do, will humans eventually become godlike?

Is a Technological Singularity on the horizon? Could nanotechnology be the technological vehicle that makes smarter than human computers possible? And if so, will this change the human race as a species forever?

Within the coming decades we will be able to create AIs with greater than human intelligence, bio-engineer our species and re-design matter through nanotechnology. How will these technologies change what it means to be human? Is it possible that human beings will increase their brain power and intelligence by direct brain-computer interfaces and biological augmentation of the human brain?

What will be the social, cultural and religious impact and implications of these future technologies? Serious thinkers in the science community are wowed by the techno-utopia promises of transcending our biology, merging with our machines, and creating greater than human intelligence.

What will the future hold for mankind? Only time will tell. But we must remember that the same technologies that could make us godlike, also have the potential to destroy the human race. I for one, can envision a future technological utopia, where man has become godlike.

Edited by Great Ape, 14 February 2012 - 11:34 AM.

[Joe Bloe]

I figure it will be a repeat of the Industrial Revolution: The balance of power (and wealth) will shift to favor of those who are brave enough to use the new technology. There will be winners and losers and the losers will moan and groan, but overall things will turn out for the best.

I'm sure there will be the potential for catastrophe, but I'm equally sure that the problems will be sorted out eventually.

The Industrial Revolution caused the problem of air pollution and for a couple of centuries nobody did anything about it, but then in 1952 London suffered from a pea-souper that caused the deaths of 4,000 people (that figure has since been raised to 12,000) and within a couple of months the Parliament had introduced the Clean Air Bill.

I think the same thing will happen in the future. The new technology will be allowed to run its course, but changes will be made if the problems become too severe.

[Great Ape]

I agree, nicely stated Joe.

[Joe Bloe]

I went back to the Wikipedia article and noticed that Aubrey de Grey thinks that medical technology will improve so fast that the human lifespan will increase by one year per year! Now that's going to cause some big changes.

[Great Ape]

Joe Bloe, on 02 February 2012 - 12:31 AM, said:

I went back to the Wikipedia article and noticed that Aubrey de Grey thinks that medical technology will improve so fast that the human lifespan will increase by one year per year! Now that's going to cause some big changes.

I believe it. This technology needs to hurry up before I get much older and decrepit. Fill me up with medical nanobots. Let them repair and reverse my old age and allow me to live for a very long time. Please hurry before I kick the bucket!

[nogodbutdog]

Great Ape, on 02 February 2012 - 05:51 AM, said:

Fill me up with medical nanobots. Let them repair and reverse my old age and allow me to live for a very long time.

You're not the first one to come up with that idea. Ray Kurzweil believes his Law of Accelerating Returns isn't limited to cybernetic fields, and is counting on life-prolonging medical innovations to skyrocket. Diet, exercise, nutrition, supplements; he's pulling out all the stops of lifestyle oriented anti-aging, hoping to witness theoretical immortality to become reality in the form the next technological breakthrough. I read of him speaking of it at a transhumanist convention (can't recall the source of the article) over a year ago, and he's still around today. So I guess his plan is still on track.

[Joe Bloe]

This could be a breakthrough:

 Aging.jpg   180.46K   7 downloads click to enlarge
http://www.scienceda...20203180905.htm

[Great Ape]

Hey guys, sorry it took me so long to respond. I didn't think anyone was posting here any more. I need to check the active topics linkie more often.

nogodbutdog, on 03 February 2012 - 05:36 PM, said:

You're not the first one to come up with that idea. Ray Kurzweil believes his Law of Accelerating Returns isn't limited to cybernetic fields, and is counting on life-prolonging medical innovations to skyrocket.

Ray Kurzweil is a true visionary. I have read and listened to what he has to say on the subject before. His plan certainly is on track. He is still working towards these goals and more. I have high hopes for him.

Joe Bloe, on 05 February 2012 - 03:17 AM, said:

This could be a breakthrough:

Thanks for the article Joe. Very interesting reading. I believe that soon, perhaps even in our lifetime, certainly in our children's lifetime, they will be able to extend the human life span dramatically. I feel I still have at least thirty good years left, barring disease or accident. I might just see it.

Edited by Great Ape, 14 February 2012 - 11:27 AM.