Singularitarianism

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Singularitarianism is a moral philosophy based upon the belief that a technological singularity — the technological creation of smarter-than-human intelligence — is possible, and advocating deliberate action to bring it into effect and ensure its safety. While many futurists and transhumanists speculate on the possibility and nature of this type of singularity (often referred to as just the Singularity; capitalized and objectivized to indicate its sheer magnitude as a historical event), Singularitarians believe it is not only possible, but desirable if and only if guided safely. Accordingly, they "dedicate their lives" to acting in ways they believe will contribute to its safe arrival.

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Originally the term singularitarian was defined in 1991 by Extropian Mark Plus to mean "one who believes the concept of a Singularity", this term has since been redefined to mean "Singularity activist" or "friend of the Singularity"; that is, one who acts so as to bring about a Singularity. [1]

In his essay "Singularitarian Principles" (2000), Eliezer Yudkowsky writes that there are four qualities that define a Singularitarian:

  • A Singularitarian believes that the Singularity is possible and desirable.
  • A Singularitarian actually works to bring about the Singularity.
  • A Singularitarian views the Singularity as an entirely secular, non-mystical process — not the culmination of any form of religious prophecy or destiny.
  • A Singularitarian believes the Singularity should benefit the entire world, and should not be a means to benefit any specific individual or group.

In July 2000, Eliezer Yudkowsky, Brian Atkins, and Sabine Atkins founded the Singularity Institute for Artificial Intelligence to work towards the creation of self-improving Friendly AI of human-similar intelligence. The Singularity Institute's writings argue for the idea that an AI of human-similar intelligence with the ability to improve upon its own design would rapidly lead to superintelligence. Singularitarians believe that reaching the Singularity swiftly and safely is the best possible way to minimize net existential risk.

Many believe a technological singularity is possible without adopting Singularitarianism as a moral philosophy. Although the exact numbers are hard to quantify, Singularitarianism is presently a small movement. Other prominent Singularitarians include Ray Kurzweil and Nick Bostrom.

  • Articles on Singularitarian people, theories and organizations:
  • Generally related topics:
    • Extropianism - a predecessor movement popular in the 1990s with many similarities to Singularitarianism.
    • Transhumanism - a parallel movement that shares many similarities with Singularitarianism.
    • Technological singularity - the ultimate goal of Singularitarianism.
    • Simulated reality - analysis of potential technologically based reality.

  • Michael Anissimov is interviewed by Singularity University in 2006
  • Eliezer Yudkowsky is interviewed by NeoFiles in 2005
  • Michael Anissimov is interviewed by NanoMagazine.com in 2005
  • Jeff Medina speaks on the ethics of greater-than-human intelligence at Dartmouth College in 2005
  • Michael Anissimov is interviewed by the Speculist weblog in 2003
  • Eliezer Yudkowsky is interviewed by Tyler Emerson in 2003
  • Eliezer Yudkowsky speaks on his theory of fun at the Transvision 2003 conference
  • Eliezer Yudkowsky is interviewed in 2002 on Changesurfer Radio
Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org../../../s/i/n/Singularitarianism.html"
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