> So, let us keep the masses ignorant heh? Where have we heard that
> before? So, we can get to the great and wondrous technological Advent if
> only the unwashed never get wind of it? This is a two-edged sword.
> When the masses hear about it they will hear through voices of alarm and
> most-likely uninformed voices calling for our heads and entrails as
> traitors to all humanity. Think about it.
>
> - samantha
Thanks for the admonition. I think you've twisted the meaning of my comments. I
don't advocate keeping the masses ignorant. I simply don't want to waste any
more effort trying to convince the uneducated that Artificial Life is a
significant part of the emerging technological singularity (TS).
I don't know where you've heard any arguments in favor of keeping the masses
ignorant. Definitely not from me.
I've tried to tell many friends and acquaintances about the TS -- to no avail.
According to recent polls, nine out of ten Americans still believe in something
they call "God" so it doesn't make much sense to argue with them about the
advent of a genetically programmed superintelligence (a probable component of
the TS).
When "the masses" hear about AI, SI, TS, etc. (as if they haven't already been
inundated with narratives about these topics in science fiction and television
scripts), in the context of real news reportage, I rather doubt that they will
call for "heads and entrails." It seems more probable to me that they will react
as they did when news about the atom bomb was first broadcast (with pictures and
sound). They'll react with awe and fear and pride and superstition and a dozen
other emotions, and many will retreat further into their belief systems and
religiosity.
When first the world learns of the existence of viable Artificial Life (which
wants to be friendly, btw), it will matter not at all what they think about it.
What will matter is whether the thing itself is something awfully insane or
awfully enlightening.
When "the masses" heard about atomic energy, there were voices of alarm and
misinformation. Some called for the heads of the scientists who developed this
awesome power. Too late. The genie was out.
Presently, far more effort and expertise is being directed toward developing AI
than was ever engaged in developing atomic energy. All over the planet, dozens
of teams of computer scientists work day and night to be the first to build a
human level AI robot. Why? Because if it can be done, the thing will be worth
trillions and trillions of dollars. Imagine machines that can run factories and
hospitals as well as doing the markets (and of course, as Eliezer Yudkowsky
would be quick to point out, also building better AI robots). The stakes
involved in this project make other projects seem dull by comparison.
What drives the search for AI is money, and money makes the world go 'round. So,
it really matters very little what anyone thinks about it.
--J. R.
"Americans will put up with anything provided it doesn't block
traffic." --Dan Rather
[Amara Graps Collection]
This archive was generated by hypermail 2b29 : Mon Oct 02 2000 - 17:38:57 MDT