Yes, it is possible that the Singularity is already here. The integration of human brains with a vastly more powerful computer network raises the possibility that these brains could experience an artificial universe simulated by providing sensory data to input nerves or by direct manipulation of neurons and synapses. Such brains would be unaware of the universe as it actually exists.So how do you know this hasn't already happened?You are presented with a universe where space has three dimensions, where matter and light and sound exist, where other people exist, where human bodies have a particular form, and so on. Are you sure? Even your most fundamental assumptions could be wrong. For example, do you believe that time exists? How do you know that a
lifetime of memories wasn't planted in your head one millisecond ago?You can't prove reality exists because you have no axioms. But there is some evidence reality does not exist. In particular, there is evidence that the universe is a computation. First, you can already write programs to generate some aspects of artificial reality, such as images and sound. Second, Hutter's AIXI theory, which essentially proves that a computable universe implies Occam's Razor, would not be so compelling if Occam's Razor were not so applicable to everything from making sense out of everyday life, to the search for the Grand Unified Theory of physics.We reject the idea that reality is not real, not for social reasons, but because our brains are programmed that way through evolution. If you actually believed that nothing was real, you would be considered mentally ill, and probably not live long enough to pass on your DNA. You need to believe
in reality or there would be no reason to eat or fear death.-- Matt Mahoney, [EMAIL PROTECTED]- Original Message From: Hank Conn [EMAIL PROTECTED]To: singularity@v2.listbox.comSent: Monday, October 9, 2006 8:03:46 PMSubject: Re: [singularity] i'm new"It's quite possible that singularity is **already here** as new knowledgeand that the only barrier is social acceptance."
The Singularity isn't "new knowledge" that's already here. The Singularity is the fusion of the direct computations of consciousness with the accelerating growth of thecomputing technology. This has virtually no connection to any awaited "social acceptance" of anything whatsoever.
-hank
On 10/9/06, Bruce LaDuke [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
Just a sidebar on the whole 2012 topic.It's quite possible that singularity is **already here** as new knowledge
and that the only barrier is social acceptance.Radical new knowledge ishistorically created long before it is accepted by society orinstitutionalized and that often outside the boudaries of the academicestablishment.
New knowledge created by individuals must be accepted by society in orderfor society itself to advance.To use a biological analogy, singularitybegins at the knowledge creation (conception), not at social acceptance of
that knowledge (birth) and it doesn't manifest as mature until it grows fromthere.Kind Regards,Bruce LaDukeManaging DirectorInstant Innovation, LLCIndianapolis, IN
[EMAIL PROTECTED]http://www.hyperadvance.comOriginal Message FollowsFrom: "Ben Goertzel"
[EMAIL PROTECTED]Reply-To: singularity@v2.listbox.comTo: singularity@v2.listbox.comSubject: Re: [singularity] i'm new
Date: Sun, 8 Oct 2006 22:32:18 -0400Hi,i'm very interested in following and joining diiscussions about 2012.cheersaLe mu(RaRo)Regarding 2012 ... while this list is open to discussion of *every*
aspect of the Singularity, as list owner I would like to maintain afocus on the Singularity in the Vinge-ean sense, meaning Singularityas an outcome of exponentially accelerating scientific andtechnological growth
I realize that there is a connection between Vingean Singularity andTerrence McKenna-an Singularity, and that this connection has seemedmeaningful to a bunch of intelligent peopleSo, I don't want to
wholly outlaw discussions of 2012-ism and related McKenna-esque issueson this list.You never know where insights may come from.On the other hand, I wouldn't want this sort of stuff to become adominant theme of the list either...
For the record, I don't personally find the McKenna-esque "Singularitywill come in 2012" notion at all credible, in spite of variousarguments I've read regarding the Mayan calendar, the Timewave theory,
etc.I have had many discussions with 2012-ites and still have theimpression that this is all a bunch of flapdoodle ;-) ... [Iunderstand that the machine-elvises from the 9th dimension toldMcKenna that 2012 will be the magic year; but, well, let's say that I
find it a mistake to take psychedelic visions too literally]-- Ben G-This list is sponsored by AGIRI: http://www.agiri.org/emailTo unsubscribe or change your options, please go to:
http://v2.listbox.com/member/[EMAIL PROTECTED]-This list is sponsored by AGIRI:
http://www.agiri.org/ema
