How the Singularity Begins

Anon Ymous
Jul 23, 2017 · 2 min read
Hercules A, pictured with its two jets powered by a supermassive black hole core (radio image by VLA/NRAO)

Technological Singularity: When an AI exponentially improves itself and experiences runaway growth, exploding the depth of our knowledge base. This is the paradigm shift to end all paradigm shifts, and many predict it will come by 2040.


How would you explain electricity to an ancient Neanderthal?

You couldn’t. There are too many levels of abstraction. Each revelation in physics is another surface we peel back to understand reality. Each new model to describe our universe — the Copernican theory of the solar system, Newtonian mechanics, Relativity, Quantum Mechanics — is another dimension realized from our life inside Plato’s cave. Each is impossible to comprehend until you see it.

We can’t guess what will come after the singularity. It’s uncharted territory.

Physics describes our universe. The same logical framework of the universe gives rise to all things spoken, written, or dreamt. Some call it nature, some call it God. Physics describes the rules that you play with — it is the ground of existence.

Improving our understanding of physics improves our ability to manipulate the universe. The singularity will not come of AI performing basic labor. This does not offer a route for positive feedback. How is an AI to improve itself when stuck at 5 nm?

Furthermore, what happens when an AI does start improving itself? Then what?

The singularity will come from AI performing research into fundamental physics. The singularity is the entity which reveals the author of the universe, as well as their intentions.

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