The Technological Singularity

The Singularity is a fascinating concept. The term refers to the turning point in the relation between mankind and computers. Though there is no one definition for the event, I will do my best to introduce you to two common interpretations.

The first interpretation is the creation of a computer with superhuman intelligence or self-improving AI. A computer with true AI would potentially have the ability to design improved hardware and software. The idea here is that once computers can build better versions of themselves, they can quickly surpass human design potential and will exponentially improve. Douglas Adam's Hitchhiker's Series references this concept when the computer that provides the answer to life, the universe, and everything (42) is then commissioned to design a computer that can determine the question.

Critics to this concept argue about the feasibility of creating self-improving AI. Critics also assert that once computers possess superhuman intelligence they would essentially be living gods and beyond the control of humans. In fact, with such intelligence, they would essentially have dominance over humans usurping our traditional role as the "masters".

The second definition happens to be my favorite. It assumes the combination of advanced computers and anatomical understanding allow humans to significantly augment themselves with technology. In this definition, a thorough understanding of the human brain allows for nanotechnology fueled computers to be integrated with the human mind. These technologies would hypothetically allow for extremely swift learning, perfect memory, visual overlays of our reality, and countless other benefits. I think of this version as the internet on steroids. Information injected directly to your brain complete with the option to back-up your self in case you ever die. With death "cured", it would fundamentally alter the constraints under which humans operate. Given the marriage of technology and the brain, it should also allow for complete extraction of consciousness from the body to live in the next-gen second life if the human so chose. This definition certainly holds more than its share of moral dilemnas and philosophical quandries (is a man teleported between two locations the same man?) but, as a lover of knowledge, I see within it the most potential for mankind as well.

Critics to this variation of the singularity contend that the neccessary anatomical knowledge is not close at hand nor is the hardware that would be required to efficiently augment humans.

I will address the singularity in greater detail in the future entries along with its economic, cultural, and philosophical consequences.

In the meantime, I encourage you to check out a few of these books and movies if you are interested in the topic:
Down and Out in the Magic Kingdom-Cory Doctorow
The Diamond Age: Or, a Young Lady's Illustrated Primer -Neil Stephenson
Snow Crash - Neil Stephenson
The Transcendent Man- a Documentary about Ray Kurzweil
Obligatory Wikipedia Link