Our final stop along on the tour of science-fiction turned reality is a concept that is far-flung, esoteric, and much more speculative than any of the topics previously discussed. Up until the point of AI, every concept discussed is either in development or close to reaching a proof of concept stage. The singularity, however, is a very large question mark, but that’s also part of its appeal. It’s fun to guess at the future, and the hottest topic to be in on right now, the must know issue, is that of the singularity and self-directed human evolution.
First, a brief explanation of exactly what the singularity is and what it means. Simply put, the technological singularity is a proposed advancement in multiple technology fields that yield an artificial or semi-synthetic intelligence capable of creating an intelligence explosion by rebuilding, improving and replicating itself. In many versions of this theory, humanity itself merges with the intelligence, acting either as a catalyst or else using the singularity as the sole method of communication, thought, and evolution. The end result is humanity evolving beyond biological constraints, forming a symbiotic (or potentially parasitic) relationship with machines.
First, a brief explanation of exactly what the singularity is and what it means. Simply put, the technological singularity is a proposed advancement in multiple technology fields that yield an artificial or semi-synthetic intelligence capable of creating an intelligence explosion by rebuilding, improving and replicating itself. In many versions of this theory, humanity itself merges with the intelligence, acting either as a catalyst or else using the singularity as the sole method of communication, thought, and evolution. The end result is humanity evolving beyond biological constraints, forming a symbiotic (or potentially parasitic) relationship with machines.
What we see is a compounding effect, from the basics of understanding our own biology and technology (such as in prosthesis), inventing new methods of biocompatible production (additive manufacturing), implementing the “internet of things” into our implantable devices (bionics), exceeding our biological limitations (power armor), creating a way of viewing the world artificially (augmented reality), and creating an entity powerful enough to coordinate our separate intelligences while also driving innovation and advancement (artificial intelligence). With all these factors in place, it then remains to be seen if a “breakout” will occur. It is entirely possible that the singularity could be a natural progression, just as the humans adapt any new technology. There is also the possibility of a forced ignition, in which humanity would have to make a collective, conscious decision to start down the path of self-directed evolution, where we would become separated from the constraints of nature and could exist as states of energy, as packets of data, or as cyborgs that interact physically with the world but see everything through a filter of projection like the Cylons of Battlestar Galactica.
Six property of NBC Universal. Tricia Helfer, sadly, not property of me.
Like most technologies, though, this evolution is not without risk. If we begin to function as a collective conscious, how invasive would our shared processes become? Just recently the New York Times featured a fascinating article on linking together animals with brain electrodes. In doing so, they were able to carry out various tests, including three monkeys working together to manipulate the various axis of a virtual arm. It was a very strong indicator that linked brains could work together and do so in ways that were greater than the sum of their parts. But for humans to do the same, it may be necessary to remove our very concepts of privacy, modesty, and independence. The conscious mind would be laid bare throughout the species. This alone could scuttle the prospect of a singularity, or it may indeed be the unifying force that brings humanity together. I personally hold that almost everyone lives with the same urges, desires, fears, and irrationalities, only some do a better job at hiding it than others.
There is another threat to consider, though, and that is what to do if the machine interface, the artificial intelligence, decides that it would function better without us? Machines building machines, even if those machines are meant for us, still removes our hands from the equation. When you exist as a digital entity, you can’t do much to influence the physical world around you. The AI could also become malevolent, or multiple AIs could exist and, coupled with human emotions, wage war on one another. We again would have to look at Asimov’s Three Laws to ensure any type of machine interface would be beneficial to the user and those around them, incapable of causing harm. Of course, the AI could always misinterpret a threat.
At its core, though, the possibility of the technological singularity is founded on the known currents along which our research and development is traveling. If we were to do away with the need for our physical bodies and embrace a new stage of existence, whole new worlds become available to us, including a voyage into the stars. Without sickness, without death, we would be free to grow and explore, negating the factor of time as we stretch out across the galaxy. A singular collective entity, emboldened by our abilities and our intelligence, would be an amazingly powerful force in the galaxy, one which could…
There is another threat to consider, though, and that is what to do if the machine interface, the artificial intelligence, decides that it would function better without us? Machines building machines, even if those machines are meant for us, still removes our hands from the equation. When you exist as a digital entity, you can’t do much to influence the physical world around you. The AI could also become malevolent, or multiple AIs could exist and, coupled with human emotions, wage war on one another. We again would have to look at Asimov’s Three Laws to ensure any type of machine interface would be beneficial to the user and those around them, incapable of causing harm. Of course, the AI could always misinterpret a threat.
At its core, though, the possibility of the technological singularity is founded on the known currents along which our research and development is traveling. If we were to do away with the need for our physical bodies and embrace a new stage of existence, whole new worlds become available to us, including a voyage into the stars. Without sickness, without death, we would be free to grow and explore, negating the factor of time as we stretch out across the galaxy. A singular collective entity, emboldened by our abilities and our intelligence, would be an amazingly powerful force in the galaxy, one which could…
Borg, Locutus property CBS Entertainment.
…Oh, wait.
A.C. Harrison is the author of "Jupiter Symphony," which does not deal with the singularity, but does deal with a really awesome second American revolution.
Like what you see here? Spread the word and support indie authors! Follow me on Facebook or Twitter. Find me on Smashwords and Kindlemojo.
A.C. Harrison is the author of "Jupiter Symphony," which does not deal with the singularity, but does deal with a really awesome second American revolution.
Like what you see here? Spread the word and support indie authors! Follow me on Facebook or Twitter. Find me on Smashwords and Kindlemojo.
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