The Singularity

Part 1

Mathematical Singularity

A point at which the derivative of a given function does not exist, but the derivative does exist at every neighboring point.
A point at which mathematical modelling breaks down

A point or region where the forces of gravity cause space and time to be infinitely distorted and matter to be infinitely compressed.
A point of infinite mass density in the space-time.
Centre of a black hole.

A future period during which the pace of technological change will be so fast and far reaching that human existence will be irreversibly altered.
Predicted by two well-known futurists: Vernor Vinge and Ray Kurzweil.

Kurzweil models show that we are doubling the paradigm shift rate for technology innovation every decade.
The achievements of the 20th Century were equivalent to 20 years of progress at the rate of the early years of 2000s.
We will make another “20 years” of progress in just 14 years (2014), and then do the same in only 7 years.

“We will ultimately enhance our intelligence very directly by merging with non-biological intelligence, sending intelligent nanobots into our brains, which will communicate with our biological neurons — they’ll all be on a local area network, they’ll be on the Internet.”
“We’ll have direct brain-to brain communication; we’ll be on-line all the time inside our brains. We’ll be able to harness any amount of computational power we might need because groups of brains will organize into a much larger machine when needed.”

Increasing Computer Power
- Moore’s law (maximum computer power doubles every year) has reached its limits (maybe?)
Making the AI smart
- Plagiarize the brain (neural network)
- Build computer whose 2 major skills would be doing research on AI and coding changes into itself.

Hardware
- speed: 200Hz (human) vs 2 Ghz (machine)
- size and storage (advantage machine)
- reliability and durability (advantage machine)
Software
- upgradability
- collective capability

Paul G. Allen (Microsoft Cofounder)
“By the end of the century, we believe, we will still be wondering if the singularity is near”
William Dembski (Mathematician, Philosopher and Theologian)
“The assumption that machines can emulate human intelligence is flawed, because human intelligence consists of more than mere computation. Specifically, a computer can’t make a decision based on incomplete information or one that requires choosing the right frame of reference to solve a problem.”

Is our road to singularity inevitable?
What are your thoughts about the predicted timeline to Human-level intelligence?
Are those predictions realistic?
Will the required technologies be available?
Do you see other potential challenges?

By Brett Clayton