Articles:

The Greatest Leap by Mitchell Howe

Since the rise of civilization we have seen no appreciable increase in our level of intelligence. Remarkable as our human intellect may be, it is still a flat line along which we have shuffled in pedestrian fashion for the last 50,000 years. But we need not confine ourselves to this dusty old road. We can fly.


The Rapids of Progress by Mitchell Howe

There are few causes that would not benefit from an infusion of Friendly superintelligence. But, more importantly, if we do not safely navigate the rapids of progress we will not be around to worry about disease, poverty or global warming.


Evolution by Choice by Mitchell Howe

It sounds like an incorrect answer given by a sassy teenager on a test, but evolution by natural selection is, in reality, just a bunch of stuff that happens. Breaking out of this constrictive paradigm requires technology that can allow individuals to decide for themselves what kinds of minds and bodies they will possess, thus making evolution a personal decision.


What Are the Odds? by Mitchell Howe

With recent discussion of AI taking place in the context of a wager, debates have tended to focus on the difficulty of the problem rather than the implications - as though the arrival of true Artificial Intelligence would only mean the difference between a robot making your coffee and brewing it yourself. What are the stakes, really? Why should this wager matter to you personally? And what, exactly, are the odds?


Investing in Immortality by Mitchell Howe

It sounds like an incorrect answer given by a sassy teenager on a test, but evolution by natural selection is, in reality, just a bunch of stuff that happens. Breaking out of this constrictive paradigm requires technology that can allow individuals to decide for themselves what kinds of minds and bodies they will possess, thus making evolution a personal decision.


A Place to Stand by Mitchell Howe

It is our ethical imperative as a global family to improve the human condition, but we owe it to ourselves - and especially to those who suffer most - to find the most effective and efficient means possible.


Superintelligence: How Soon? by Michael Anissimov

Oxford philosopher Nick Bostrom defines a "superintelligence" as "an intellect that is much smarter than the best human brains in practically every field, including scientific creativity, general wisdom and social skills". At what point might the creation of such a person become technologically possible?


Who Cares About the Singularity? by Michael Anissimov

A list of prominent scientists and futurists concerned with the arrival of the Singularity. Includes familiar names such as Stephen Hawking and Sir Martin Rees. Considering the controversy surrounding futurist concepts such as the Singularity, we consider it worthwhile to point out people who take it and related issues seriously.


Who are Technological Singularity Activists? by Michael Anissimov

Singularity activists are scientific researchers, theorists, and dedicated laypeople working on a long-term project to create altruistic, smarter-than-human intelligence. This would be accomplished either through Artificial Intelligence or the physical enhancement of human brains. We offer the creation of smarter-than-human, kinder-than-human people as an excellent approach to handling problems large and small, such as poverty, the threat of nuclear war, even toothaches! (Be warned - this paper is about 30 pages long.)


Computer Programs, Minds-in-General, and the Human Brain by Anand and Michael Anissimov

Knowledge of the comparative strengths and weaknesses of computer programs, minds-in-general (such as AIs), and the human brain is of paramount importance to rigorous Singularity analysis. This document presents a series of lists derived from incipient theories of minds-in-general taking shape within the cognitive sciences.