Engines of Creation
Sunday, September 5, 2004 4:25 PM

topics: books:nf  nanotech 

Engines of Creation. K. Eric Drexler's original work describing nanotechnology.

Vingean Singularity
Wednesday, September 1, 2004 9:13 PM

topics: definitions  books:nf  transhuman 
related posts

• TechnologicalSingularity
• The Evolution Will Be Mechanized

Vernor Vinge's seminal paper "The Coming Technological Singularity: How to Survive in the Post-Human Era."

Within thirty years, we will have the technological means to create superhuman intelligence. Shortly after, the human era will be ended.

Is such progress avoidable? If not to be avoided, can events be guided so that we may survive? These questions are investigated. Some possible answers (and some further dangers) are presented.

Despite the commonly held belief that the Singularity rests on the creation of an Artificial Intelligence, Vinge's vision of the event rests on the premise of the development of something broader, i.e. the creation of entities with greater than human intelligence. While these may be AI's, Vinge identifies several other possible triggers:

• Large computer networks (and their associated users) may "wake up" as a superhumanly intelligent entity.

• Computer/human interfaces may become so intimate that users may reasonably be considered superhumanly intelligent.
• Biological science may provide means to improve natural human intellect.