The Singularity may not be near October 28, 2010
Posted by Summerspeaker in Technology, The Singularity, Transhumanism.trackback
Mike Treder reminds transhumanists of the essential uncertainty of our dreams in a clever article. I advise against counting on artificial intelligence or molecular manufacturing. While technological development could theoretically do everything the extropians claim, any serious plan for the future must work with what we’ve currently got. As I’ve written in the past, there’s no need to wait for nanofactories to produce material abundance. Rational use of existing technology would produce a life of leisure, health, and plenty for every human being on the planet.
Nanotechnology, like nuclear fusion, has been a few years away for more than a few years.
As for this rational use of existing technology, what is the allocation mechanism? May I suggest a variant on “Angel Economics?”
At the same time, some of the recent developments in the field suggest impressive potential. If I had to bet one way or the other, I wouldn’t.
As for your allocation mechanism, that’s fascinating stuff. I’m thrilled to see dedicated work on the subject. A face value it looks like a solid start. I’ll have get up to speed on this angel economics idea.