The current definition of "extropy"

Max More (maxmore@primenet.com)
Mon, 16 Dec 1996 01:26:16 -0700 (MST)

The definition of "extropy" has evolved over time. If there's to be a
discussion of it, it would be good to begin with the most current version,
as printed in Extropy #17. That definition says nothing about a "measure". I
took that out because it implies some kind of metric, while the concept of
"extropy" was never intended to be a technical term. There's already a term
for that -- "negentropy".

The current definition is" "Extropy -- the extent of a person's or a
culture's intelligence, information, vitality, diversity, opportunity, and
[personal] growth." "Personal" might be removed since it fits with person
but not very well with culture.

While I'm all in favor of tuning up this definition, I caution against
trying for a pseudo-precision. It's not a scientific measure. Its a metaphor
the the kinds of things we value, and for the overcoming of human limits in
a perpetual process of improvement.

Note: While I have been giving the definitions for years, it was Tom Morrow
who originally coined the term based on our discussions together, not me.

Max

Max More, Ph.D.
more@extropy.org
http://www.primenet.com/~maxmore
President, Extropy Institute, Editor, Extropy
info-exi@extropy.org, http://www.extropy.org
(310) 398-0375