*Just read the last 2 paragraphs if you don't feel like reading all this*
As some of you may be aware, singularity is gradually becoming a hot topic. To those of you who don't know what it is, its basically some point in our future (2045 perhaps) when our computers will be incredibly sophisticated to the extent that they function (thousands of times?) far better than human brains. It is also suggested that at this point we will be able to download our brains/thoughts and memories onto these computers. Essentially, we will have become one with the machines... and we will be immortal. Regardless of whether or not you believe singularity is possible, I encourage you to read on.
Even if you don't believe anyone would want to try downloading their brain onto a machine, our rapidly evolving technologies have the potential to grant immortality in a variety of different ways. For example, the key to immortality could lie in nano machines. If computers are capable of halving their size every 2 years, while retaining the same power, there could be a point where incredibly powerful machines can be injected into the blood stream. Once there they could be used to detect and physically kill diseases such as cancer. They could also help repair or investigate dying cells. While none of this ensures immortality, it could result in a lifespan increase of hundreds of years. Furthermore, the same machines could be used for unnecessary, yet helpful actions such as breaking down muscle tissue so it can grow back stronger, effectively bypassing the need to exercise to gain strength.
Maybe you don't believe singularity is a reasonable goal for 2045, but what if nano machines allow us to see 2345? Hell, even if you don't buy into either theory, it all makes for an interesting debate (which I am getting to).
Alright, so one inevitability with computers is as they gradually become more intelligent, they will one day surpass humans. One day they will become incredibly intelligent and it will be their job to spawn even more sophisticated computers (human intelligence compared to computers will be similar to a dog's intelligence compared to a human). We will either be imprisoned by our robot overlords or we will have somehow ensured their complete obedience to humans. If the latter occurs, it is doubtful that humans will resist the urge to taste the possibility of infinite power and intelligence. Whether they inject the machines into themselves or download their brains onto the machines, we probably will be vastly different than we are today.
Personally I think this could have unforeseen consequences though, such as no longer being individuals. While injecting computers and basically becoming computers will result in vastly different outcomes, the effect on our individuality is similar in either path. If we artificially absorb intelligence, what makes the information we are getting different from that of our neighbor? If we are downloading ourselves into robots, who would intentionally use an inferior model just to be different? Probably no one, we'd essentially be clones all getting the same information. If nano machines strengthened our muscles for us, who would work out? Would there really be any notable difference in the person who devoted 2 hours a day to hard work and the person who has their nano machines work for them, while they download books directly to their memory? Maybe not. In such an event I ask you, would you trade your humanity for immortality? Of course it is ridiculous to not partake in any of these futuristic advancements once they become available, but would you support their invention if it started a chain reaction that ultimately drained the human race of its humanity? Or do you think there will be no such repercussions?
As some of you may be aware, singularity is gradually becoming a hot topic. To those of you who don't know what it is, its basically some point in our future (2045 perhaps) when our computers will be incredibly sophisticated to the extent that they function (thousands of times?) far better than human brains. It is also suggested that at this point we will be able to download our brains/thoughts and memories onto these computers. Essentially, we will have become one with the machines... and we will be immortal. Regardless of whether or not you believe singularity is possible, I encourage you to read on.
Even if you don't believe anyone would want to try downloading their brain onto a machine, our rapidly evolving technologies have the potential to grant immortality in a variety of different ways. For example, the key to immortality could lie in nano machines. If computers are capable of halving their size every 2 years, while retaining the same power, there could be a point where incredibly powerful machines can be injected into the blood stream. Once there they could be used to detect and physically kill diseases such as cancer. They could also help repair or investigate dying cells. While none of this ensures immortality, it could result in a lifespan increase of hundreds of years. Furthermore, the same machines could be used for unnecessary, yet helpful actions such as breaking down muscle tissue so it can grow back stronger, effectively bypassing the need to exercise to gain strength.
Maybe you don't believe singularity is a reasonable goal for 2045, but what if nano machines allow us to see 2345? Hell, even if you don't buy into either theory, it all makes for an interesting debate (which I am getting to).
Alright, so one inevitability with computers is as they gradually become more intelligent, they will one day surpass humans. One day they will become incredibly intelligent and it will be their job to spawn even more sophisticated computers (human intelligence compared to computers will be similar to a dog's intelligence compared to a human). We will either be imprisoned by our robot overlords or we will have somehow ensured their complete obedience to humans. If the latter occurs, it is doubtful that humans will resist the urge to taste the possibility of infinite power and intelligence. Whether they inject the machines into themselves or download their brains onto the machines, we probably will be vastly different than we are today.
Personally I think this could have unforeseen consequences though, such as no longer being individuals. While injecting computers and basically becoming computers will result in vastly different outcomes, the effect on our individuality is similar in either path. If we artificially absorb intelligence, what makes the information we are getting different from that of our neighbor? If we are downloading ourselves into robots, who would intentionally use an inferior model just to be different? Probably no one, we'd essentially be clones all getting the same information. If nano machines strengthened our muscles for us, who would work out? Would there really be any notable difference in the person who devoted 2 hours a day to hard work and the person who has their nano machines work for them, while they download books directly to their memory? Maybe not. In such an event I ask you, would you trade your humanity for immortality? Of course it is ridiculous to not partake in any of these futuristic advancements once they become available, but would you support their invention if it started a chain reaction that ultimately drained the human race of its humanity? Or do you think there will be no such repercussions?