SF Signal: Singularity

Singularity

This Asimov's SF article is the launch point for for tons of information about "The Singularity"? What is that? There are a few definitions floating around, but can be summed up as the point when artificial intelligence surpasses human intelligence. (Personally, I think that depends on the human involved, but I digress...) This is the crux of the transhumanist movement, or, more accurately, it is the point when humans enter a post-human phase of existence.

That assumes we are still here, of course. Need a reason to fear the future? How about the this quote from a Singularity paper written more than ten years ago by SF author Vernor Vinge:

Within thirty years, we will have the technological means to create superhuman intelligence. Shortly after, the human era will be ended.
- Abstract of a paper given by Vernor Vinge at the VISION-21 Symposium, March 30-31,1993

Thanks, Verne. Like I need another reason to stay in bed tomorrow.

Oh, and SF authors have been known to be a tad optimistic when it comes to predicting technology advances. Yes, they have predicted lots of things which have come to pass - but they've been poor in their accuracy.

Posted by Scott on Tuesday June 29, 2004 at 6:09 PM

> Personally, I think that depends on the human involved

I have relatives whose intelligence was matched by setting the prompt in MSDOS to "HUH?>"

Posted by Bob Hawkins on Wednesday June 30, 2004 at 2:10 PM