Post by cameron on Sept 15, 2005 19:07:33 GMT -8
The Singularity Is Near : When Humans Transcend Biology, is the title of a book written by Ray Kurzweil. Glen Reynolds of Instapundit did an e-mail interview with Mr. Kurzweil for his blog. Very interesting, they discuss Artificial Intelligence and Nanotechnology and what it all may mean for the future of mankind. Here is a snippet.
In chapter 1 of the book, I define the Singularity this way: “a future period during which the pace of technological change will be so rapid, its impact so deep, that human life will be irreversibly transformed. Although neither utopian nor dystopian, this epoch will transform the concepts that we rely on to give meaning to our lives, from our business models to the cycle of human life, including death itself. Understanding the singularity will alter our perspective on the significance of our past and the ramifications for our future. To truly understand it inherently changes one’s view of life in general and one’s own particular life. I regard someone who understands the Singularity and who has reflected on its implications for his or her own life as a ‘singularitarian.’”
I was completely fascinated by the interview and have ordered the book. Read the entire interview for yourself here
Instapundit.com -
In chapter 1 of the book, I define the Singularity this way: “a future period during which the pace of technological change will be so rapid, its impact so deep, that human life will be irreversibly transformed. Although neither utopian nor dystopian, this epoch will transform the concepts that we rely on to give meaning to our lives, from our business models to the cycle of human life, including death itself. Understanding the singularity will alter our perspective on the significance of our past and the ramifications for our future. To truly understand it inherently changes one’s view of life in general and one’s own particular life. I regard someone who understands the Singularity and who has reflected on its implications for his or her own life as a ‘singularitarian.’”
I was completely fascinated by the interview and have ordered the book. Read the entire interview for yourself here
Instapundit.com -
