The Philosopher's Singularity

Abstract

Every single human era has had its landmark moment – for the ancient period, it was the development of agriculture, for the industrial revolution it was the invention of steam power, and for the information age it will be the technological singularity. This event is characterized as a recursive explosion of intelligence, permitting increasingly more sophisticated innovations and invention. One can see a glimpse of this incredible potential in the exponential growth of technology and science at the present. This trend has been continuing since the 1970s, and through the use of graphene based conductors, memristors, vertical processors, and quantum computing will continue into the future. Scientifically, the most important moment is when the exponential curve reaches a slope that is virtually infinite, termed the technological Singularity. This event could be reached by three primary reasons – the development of artificial intelligence, the interfacing between the human mind and machine, as well as biological enhancement. Overall, this work has been done to answer a variety of different questions that many people may have concerning the technological Singularity. The first question is in fact whether the technological Singularity is in fact possible. We have proven decisively that it is a possibility at our current rate of research, yet there may be a number of different alternative scenarios that would take place. Another question concerns the importance of ethics in robotics, or friendly AI research. This paper detailed the importance of the connection between ethics and technology, more valuable than ever before. To better understand these subjects, we have evaluated different aspects of the Singularity with a holistic manner. Many great visionaries have predicted such an evolution in consciousness and intelligence, such as Father Pierre Teilhard de Chardin SJ, Sri Aurobindo, as well as the ancient alchemists. To better understand this leap in awareness, we have explored the writings and the ideas that have been developed by these individuals. Our research has indicated that these concepts have a deep impact in every area of our life. Medicine and energy are the two most major facets that a technological Singularity will change forever. In terms of medicine, the three major technologies involved will be regenerative therapy, nanotechnology, and additive printing which will restore the abilities of billions of sick and disabled individuals all around the world. In terms of energy, the most valuable ideas have been in the field of renewable energy including solar, wind, thorium, and fusion energy. Energy has been the primary limiting factor and cause of scarcity in the world. Not only are our current sources of power rather finite and limited, but the negative effects generated by these fossil fuels are causing further hardships and difficulties all around the world. By sourcing our energy from abundant and sustainable sources, we have the ability to unlock the innate potential present in every single person all around the world. This type of abundance would be so unimaginable it would be termed a post-scarcity society, one that would not be based on lack but one that would stem from the innate treasure of every individual.