The Transhumanist Agenda
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Citizen Cyborg.” Citizen a Groundbreaking Work of Social Commentary, Citizen Cyborg Artificial Intelligence, Nanotechnology, and Genetic Engineering —DR
hughes (continued from front flap) $26.95 US ADVANCE PRAISE FOR ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE NANOTECHNOLOGY GENETIC ENGINEERING MEDICAL ETHICS INVITRO FERTILIZATION STEM-CELL RESEARCH $37.95 CAN citizen LIFE EXTENSION GENETIC PATENTS HUMAN GENETIC ENGINEERING CLONING SEX SELECTION ASSISTED SUICIDE UNIVERSAL HEALTHCARE human genetic engineering, sex selection, drugs, and assisted In the next fifty years, life spans will extend well beyond a century. suicide—and concludes with a concrete political agenda for pro- cyborg Our senses and cognition will be enhanced. We will have greater technology progressives, including expanding and deepening control over our emotions and memory. Our bodies and brains “A challenging and provocative look at the intersection of human self-modification and human rights, reforming genetic patent laws, and providing SOCIETIES MUST RESPOND TO THE REDESIGNED HUMAN OF FUTURE WHY DEMOCRATIC will be surrounded by and merged with computer power. The limits political governance. Everyone wondering how society will be able to handle the coming citizen everyone with healthcare and a basic guaranteed income. of the human body will be transcended, as technologies such as possibilities of A.I. and genomics should read Citizen Cyborg.” citizen A groundbreaking work of social commentary, Citizen Cyborg artificial intelligence, nanotechnology, and genetic engineering —DR. GREGORY STOCK, author of Redesigning Humans illuminates the technologies that are pushing the boundaries of converge and accelerate. With them, we will redesign ourselves and humanness—and the debate that may determine the future of the our children into varieties of posthumanity. “A powerful indictment of the anti-rationalist attitudes that are dominating our national human race itself. -
Technology & Computer Science
The Latticework: Technology & Computer Science The Latticework: Technology & Computer Science 1 The Latticework: Technology & Computer Science What I noted since the really big ideas carry 95% of the freight, it wasn’t at all hard for me to pick up all the big ideas from all the big disciplines and make them a standard part of my mental routines. Once you have the ideas, of course, they are no good if you don’t practice – if you don’t practice you lose it. So, I went through life constantly practicing this model of the multidisciplinary approach. Well, I can’t tell you what that’s done for me. It’s made life more fun, it’s made me more constructive, it’s made me more helpful to others, it’s made me enormously rich, you name it, that attitude really helps… …It doesn’t help you just to know them enough just so you can give them back on an exam and get an A. You have to learn these things in such a way that they’re in a mental latticework in your head and you automatically use them for the rest of your life. – Charlie Munger, 2007 USC Gould School of Law Commencement Speech 2 The Latticework: Technology & Computer Science Technology & Computer Science Technology has been the overriding tidal wave in the last several centuries (maybe millennia, if tools like plows and horse bridles are considered) and understanding the fundamentals in this field can be helpful in seeing the patterns behind these innovations, how they were arrived at, and their potential impacts. -
FROM LONGITUDE to ALTITUDE: INDUCEMENT PRIZE CONTESTS AS INSTRUMENTS of PUBLIC POLICY in SCIENCE and TECHNOLOGY Clayton Stallbau
FROM LONGITUDE TO ALTITUDE: INDUCEMENT PRIZE CONTESTS AS INSTRUMENTS OF PUBLIC POLICY IN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY Clayton Stallbaumer* I. INTRODUCTION On a foggy October night in 1707, a fleet of Royal Navy warships ran aground on the Isles of Scilly, some twenty miles southwest of England.1 Believing themselves to be safely west of any navigational hazards, two thousand sailors discovered too late that they had fatally misjudged their position.2 Although the search for an accurate method to determine longitude had bedeviled Europe for several centuries, the “sudden loss of so many lives, so many ships, and so much honor all at once” elevated the discovery of a solution to a top national priority in England.3 In 1714, Parliament issued the Longitude Act,4 promising as much as £20,0005 for a “Practicable and Useful” method of determining longitude at sea; fifty-nine years later, clockmaker John Harrison claimed the prize.6 Nearly three centuries after the fleet’s tragic demise, another accident, also fatal but far removed from longitude’s terrestrial reach, struck a nation deeply. Just four days after its crew observed a moment’s silence in memory of the Challenger astronauts, the space shuttle Columbia disintegrated upon reentry, killing all on board.7 Although * J.D., University of Illinois College of Law, 2006; M.B.A., University of Illinois College of Business, 2006; B.A., Economics, B.A., History, Lake Forest College, 2001. 1. DAVA SOBEL, LONGITUDE: THE TRUE STORY OF A LONE GENIUS WHO SOLVED THE GREATEST SCIENTIFIC PROBLEM OF HIS TIME 12 (1995). -
An Evolutionary Heuristic for Human Enhancement
18 TheWisdomofNature: An Evolutionary Heuristic for Human Enhancement Nick Bostrom and Anders Sandberg∗ Abstract Human beings are a marvel of evolved complexity. Such systems can be difficult to enhance. When we manipulate complex evolved systems, which are poorly understood, our interventions often fail or backfire. It can appear as if there is a ‘‘wisdom of nature’’ which we ignore at our peril. Sometimes the belief in nature’s wisdom—and corresponding doubts about the prudence of tampering with nature, especially human nature—manifest as diffusely moral objections against enhancement. Such objections may be expressed as intuitions about the superiority of the natural or the troublesomeness of hubris, or as an evaluative bias in favor of the status quo. This chapter explores the extent to which such prudence-derived anti-enhancement sentiments are justified. We develop a heuristic, inspired by the field of evolutionary medicine, for identifying promising human enhancement interventions. The heuristic incorporates the grains of truth contained in ‘‘nature knows best’’ attitudes while providing criteria for the special cases where we have reason to believe that it is feasible for us to improve on nature. 1.Introduction 1.1. The wisdom of nature, and the special problem of enhancement We marvel at the complexity of the human organism, how its various parts have evolved to solve intricate problems: the eye to collect and pre-process ∗ Oxford Future of Humanity Institute, Faculty of Philosophy and James Martin 21st Century School, Oxford University. Forthcoming in Enhancing Humans, ed. Julian Savulescu and Nick Bostrom (Oxford: Oxford University Press) 376 visual information, the immune system to fight infection and cancer, the lungs to oxygenate the blood. -
Technological Singularity
TECHNOLOGICAL SINGULARITY BY VERNOR VINGE The original version of this article was presented at the VISION-21 Symposium sponsored by NASA Lewis Research Center and the Ohio Aerospace Institute, March 30-31, 1993. It appeared in the winter 1993 Whole Earth Review --Vernor Vinge Except for these annotations (and the correction of a few typographical errors), I have tried not to make any changes in this reprinting of the 1993 WER essay. --Vernor Vinge, January 2003 1. What Is The Singularity? The acceleration of technological progress has been the central feature of this century. We are on the edge of change comparable to the rise of human life on Earth. The precise cause of this change is the imminent creation by technology of entities with greater-than-human intelligence. Science may achieve this breakthrough by several means (and this is another reason for having confidence that the event will occur): * Computers that are awake and superhumanly intelligent may be developed. (To date, there has been much controversy as to whether we can create human equivalence in a machine. But if the answer is yes, then there is little doubt that more intelligent beings can be constructed shortly thereafter.) * Large computer networks (and their associated users) may wake up as superhumanly intelligent entities. * 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. The first three possibilities depend on improvements in computer hardware. Actually, the fourth possibility also depends on improvements in computer hardware, although in an indirect way. -
Sustainable Development, Technological Singularity and Ethics
European Research Studies Journal Volume XXI, Issue 4, 2018 pp. 714- 725 Sustainable Development, Technological Singularity and Ethics Vyacheslav Mantatov1, Vitaly Tutubalin2 Abstract: The development of modern convergent technologies opens the prospect of a new technological order. Its image as a “technological singularity”, i.e. such “transhuman” stage of scientific and technical progress, on which the superintelligence will be practically implemented, seems to be quite realistic. The determination of the basic philosophical coordinates of this future reality in the movement along the path of sustainable development of mankind is the most important task of modern science. The article is devoted to the study of the basic ontological, epistemological and moral aspects in the reception of the coming technological singularity. The method of this study is integrating dialectical and system approach. The authors come to the conclusion: the technological singularity in the form of a “computronium” (superintelligence) opens up broad prospects for the sustainable development of mankind in the cosmic dimension. This superintelligence will become an ally of man in the process of cosmic evolution. Keywords: Technological Singularity, Superintelligence, Convergent Technologies, Cosmocentrism, Human and Universe JEL code: Q01, Q56. 1East Siberia State University of Technology and Management, Ulan-Ude, Russia [email protected] 2East Siberia State University of Technology and Management, Ulan-Ude, Russia, [email protected] V. Mantatov, V. Tutubalin 715 1. Introduction Intelligence organizes the world by organizing itself. J. Piaget Technological singularity is defined as a certain moment or stage in the development of mankind, when scientific and technological progress will become so fast and complex that it will be unpredictable. -
Prepare for the Singularity
Prepare for the Singularity The definition of man's uniqueness has always formed the kernel of his cosmological and ethical systems. With Copernicus and Galileo, he ceased to be the species located at the center of the universe, attended by sun and stars. With Darwin, he ceased to be the species created and specially endowed by God with soul and reason. With Freud, he ceased to be the species whose behavior was—potentially—governable by rational mind. As we begin to produce mechanisms that think and learn, he has ceased to be the species uniquely capable of complex, intelligent manipulation of his environment. I am confident that man will, as he has in the past, find a new way of describing his place in the universe—a way that will satisfy his needs for dignity and for purpose. But it will be a way as different from the present one as was the Copernican from the Ptolemaic. —Herbert Simon Whether you think Herb is the successor to Copernicus, Galileo, Darwin, and Freud, and whatever you think about the Singularity, you must admit that technology is moving at a fast, accelerating pace, perhaps challenging humans’ pre-eminence as the vessels of intelligence. As Computer Science drives artificial intelligence forward, we should understand its impact. Figure 1.Kurzweil’s Projection Hans Moravec first suggested that intelligent robots would inherit humanity’s intelligence and carry it forward. Many people now talk about it seriously, e.g. the Singularity Summits. Academics like theoretical physicist David Deutsch and philosopher David Chalmers, have written about it. -
Extropy Institute
ISSN 1057-1035 Issue #14 (vol.7, no.1) 1st Quarter 1995 $4.95 1 EXTROPY #14 (7:1) First Quarter 1995 EXTROPY: The Journal of Transhumanist Thought is a journal of ideas, dedicated to discussing and developing themes in the follow- ing areas: • Transhumanism and futurist philosophy • Life extension, immortalism and cryonics • Smart drugs (nootropics) and intelligence increase technologies • Machine intelligence, personality uploading, and Artificial life • Nanocomputers and nanotechnology • Memetics (ideas as viruses) ExtropyExtropy InstituteInstitute • Experimental free communities in space, on the oceans, and within computer networks • Effective thinking and information filtering EXTROPY (ISSN 1057-1035) is published approx. quarterly by • Self-transformative psychology Extropy Institute (ExI), an educational tax-exempt corporation, • Spontaneous orders (free markets, neural 13428 Maxella Avenue, #273, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292. Phone: networks, evolutionary processes, etc) (310) 398-0375. • Digital economy (privacy technologies, E-mail to: [email protected] digital money and electronic markets) or: [email protected] • Rational, market-based environmentalism Copyright ©1994 by Extropy Institute and the respective writers. • Probing the ultimate limits of physics Distributed by Armadillo, Los Angeles, CA; Desert Moon Periodicals, Sante Fe, NM; Fine Print, Austin, TX; Inland, East Haven, CT; IPD, Solana Beach, CA; Small Changes, Seattle, WA; Ubiquity, Brooklyn, NY; & Tower EDITORIAL TEAM Magazines, W. Sacramento, CA; and in the UK by Counter Productions, London, UK. EDITOR: Max More, MA, Extropy Institute Writers: Contact the editor for submission details. ART DIRECTOR: Nancie Clark SUBSCRIPTIONS (4 issues): Communications: Russell E. Whitaker, Taos Mountain Soft- USA: $18 ware Canada and Mexico*: $22 Overseas*: $32 (air); $24 (surface) Computing, Simon D. -
The Transhumanist Reader Is an Important, Provocative Compendium Critically Exploring the History, Philosophy, and Ethics of Transhumanism
TH “We are in the process of upgrading the human species, so we might as well do it E Classical and Contemporary with deliberation and foresight. A good first step is this book, which collects the smartest thinking available concerning the inevitable conflicts, challenges and opportunities arising as we re-invent ourselves. It’s a core text for anyone making TRA Essays on the Science, the future.” —Kevin Kelly, Senior Maverick for Wired Technology, and Philosophy “Transhumanism has moved from a fringe concern to a mainstream academic movement with real intellectual credibility. This is a great taster of some of the best N of the Human Future emerging work. In the last 10 years, transhumanism has spread not as a religion but as a creative rational endeavor.” SHU —Julian Savulescu, Uehiro Chair in Practical Ethics, University of Oxford “The Transhumanist Reader is an important, provocative compendium critically exploring the history, philosophy, and ethics of transhumanism. The contributors anticipate crucial biopolitical, ecological and planetary implications of a radically technologically enhanced population.” M —Edward Keller, Director, Center for Transformative Media, Parsons The New School for Design A “This important book contains essays by many of the top thinkers in the field of transhumanism. It’s a must-read for anyone interested in the future of humankind.” N —Sonia Arrison, Best-selling author of 100 Plus: How The Coming Age of Longevity Will Change Everything IS The rapid pace of emerging technologies is playing an increasingly important role in T overcoming fundamental human limitations. The Transhumanist Reader presents the first authoritative and comprehensive survey of the origins and current state of transhumanist Re thinking regarding technology’s impact on the future of humanity. -
The Role of Extinction in Evolution DAVID M
Proc. Nati. Acad. Sci. USA Vol. 91, pp. 6758-6763, July 1994 Colloquium Paper Ths paper was presented at a colloquium entled "Tempo and Mode in Evolution" organized by Walter M. Fitch and Francisco J. Ayala, held January 27-29, 1994, by the National Academy of Sciences, in Irvine, CA. The role of extinction in evolution DAVID M. RAuP Department of Geophysical Sciences, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637 ABSTRACT The extinction of species is not normally must remember what has already been said on the probable consideed an important element of neodarwinian theory, in wide intervals of time between our consecutive formations; contrast to the opposite phenomenon, specatlon. This is sur- and in these intervals there may have been much slower prising in view of the special importance Darwin attced to extermination. (pp. 321-322) extinction, and because the number ofspecies extinctions in the Like his geologist colleague Charles Lyell, Darwin was history oflife is almost the same as the number oforiginations; contemptuous ofthose who thought extinctions were caused present-day biodiversity Is the result of a trivial surplus of by great catastrophes. cumulated over millions of years. For an evolu- tions, ... so profound is our ignorance, and so high our presump- tionary biologist to ignore extinction is probably as foolhardy tion, that we marvel when we hear of the extinction of an as for a demographer to ignore mortality. The past decade has organic being; and as we do not see the cause, we invoke seen a resurgence of interest in extinction, yet research on the cataclysms to desolate the world, or invent laws on the topic Is stifl at a reconnaissance level, and our present under- duration of the forms of life! (p. -
One Million Species Face Extinction
IN FOCUS NEWS But the excitement around cancer immuno therapies — two researchers won a Nobel prize last year for pioneering them — has been tempered after several partici- pants in US clinical trials died from side effects. Regulators around the world have moved slowly to approve the treatments for sale. The US Food and Drug Admin- istration has approved only three cancer immunotherapies so far, and the Chinese drug regulator has approved none. THE OCEAN AGENCY/XL CATLIN SEAVIEW SURVEY SEAVIEW CATLIN THE OCEAN AGENCY/XL Before 2016, Chinese regulations for the sale of cell therapies were ambiguous, and many hospitals sold the treatments to patients while safety and efficacy testing was still under way. Ren Jun, an oncolo- gist at the Beijing Shijitan Hospital Cancer Center, estimates that roughly one million people paid for such procedures. But the market came under scrutiny when it was revealed that a university student with Habitats such as coral reefs have been hit hard by pollution and climate change. a rare cancer had paid more than 200,000 yuan (US$30,000) for an experimental BIODIVERSITY immunotherapy, after seeing it promoted by a hospital on the Internet. The treatment was unsuccessful, and the student later died. The government cracked down on hospi- One million species tals selling cell therapies — although clinical trials in which participants do not pay for treatment were allowed to continue. face extinction GATHERING EVIDENCE Under the proposed regulations, roughly Landmark United Nations report finds that human activities 1,400 elite hospitals that conduct medical threaten ecosystems around the world. research, known as Grade 3A hospitals, would be able to apply for a licence to sell cell therapies, after proving that they BY JEFF TOLLEFSON in Paris to finalize and approve it. -
Reading List
EECS 101 Introduction to Computer Science Dinda, Spring, 2009 An Introduction to Computer Science For Everyone Reading List Note: You do not need to read or buy all of these. The syllabus and/or class web page describes the required readings and what books to buy. For readings that are not in the required books, I will either provide pointers to web documents or hand out copies in class. Books David Harel, Computers Ltd: What They Really Can’t Do, Oxford University Press, 2003. Fred Brooks, The Mythical Man-month: Essays on Software Engineering, 20th Anniversary Edition, Addison-Wesley, 1995. Joel Spolsky, Joel on Software: And on Diverse and Occasionally Related Matters That Will Prove of Interest to Software Developers, Designers, and Managers, and to Those Who, Whether by Good Fortune or Ill Luck, Work with Them in Some Capacity, APress, 2004. Most content is available for free from Spolsky’s Blog (see http://www.joelonsoftware.com) Paul Graham, Hackers and Painters, O’Reilly, 2004. See also Graham’s site: http://www.paulgraham.com/ Martin Davis, The Universal Computer: The Road from Leibniz to Turing, W.W. Norton and Company, 2000. Ted Nelson, Computer Lib/Dream Machines, 1974. This book is now very rare and very expensive, which is sad given how visionary it was. Simon Singh, The Code Book: The Science of Secrecy from Ancient Egypt to Quantum Cryptography, Anchor, 2000. Douglas Hofstadter, Goedel, Escher, Bach: The Eternal Golden Braid, 20th Anniversary Edition, Basic Books, 1999. Stuart Russell and Peter Norvig, Artificial Intelligence: A Modern Approach, 2nd Edition, Prentice Hall, 2003.