Midgley is always of interest. I wonder what you mean by "We have avoided engaging with this - the true ‘problem’ of free will - because the materialistic credo of our time has always been framed negatively." In what sense, "negatively"?
It is 'negative' in that the question of free will is a priori excluded from consideration because of the materialistic credo: adherents of this view accept Descartes assumption of a split into mind and matter, but then say "mind doesn't matter, only matter matters". That shuts down any need to look at how alternative perspectives of the same events stack up differently, as you've 'boiled away' mind.
Great question - I didn't spot how ambiguous that wording was!
Thanks for this! I've not seen that review before.
As for Kurzweil... he has been the main voice pushing forward the metaphysical view of digital salvation that this piece criticises. I can only roll me eyes, alas.
Ray Kurzweil's concept of the Singularity is deeply intertwined with the emergence of cyborgs and the increasing integration of humans and technology. For Kurzweil, the Singularity is not just about superintelligent AI, but also about a fundamental transformation of human existence as we transcend our biological limitations.
Here's how cyborgs connect to Kurzweil's singularity:
* Human-Machine Merger as a Pathway to the Singularity: Kurzweil predicts that humans will gradually merge with machines. This isn't necessarily a sudden event but a process of increasing integration, where our biological bodies and brains are enhanced by technology. This process will lead to the creation of what can be considered cyborgs.
* Overcoming Biological Limitations: Cyborgization, for Kurzweil, is a key mechanism for overcoming the fragility, disease, and mortality inherent in our biological forms. Through advanced nanotechnology, neural implants, and bio-cybernetic enhancements, humans will be able to repair and augment their bodies and minds. This includes reversing aging, enhancing cognitive abilities, and potentially achieving indefinite lifespans.
* Expanding Human Intelligence: A crucial aspect of the Singularity is the exponential growth of intelligence. Kurzweil envisions that our intelligence will extend beyond our physical brains, connecting with "the cloud" via brain-computer interfaces and nanobots. This will allow for a massive expansion of our cognitive capabilities, making our non-biological intelligence vastly more powerful than our unaided biological intelligence. This essentially describes a highly advanced form of cyborg.
* Evolutionary Leap: Kurzweil views this human-machine merger as the next evolutionary epoch. He believes that once AI reaches a point of self-improvement, the growth will become exponential, and to keep up, humans will need to merge with these advanced technologies. This integration is not about humans being replaced, but about humanity evolving into a "transhuman" or "posthuman" state, where the distinction between human and machine becomes increasingly blurred.
* Gradual Integration: Instead of an instantaneous conversion, Kurzweil suggests a gradual process where parts of our brains are augmented with neural implants, slowly increasing our proportion of non-biological intelligence. This "cyborgization" is a continuous journey towards the Singularity.
In essence, for Ray Kurzweil, the rise of cyborgs – humans enhanced and integrated with advanced technology – is not merely a consequence of the Singularity, but a fundamental and necessary step in its realization. It's the means by which humanity transcends its biological constraints and participates in the accelerating intelligence explosion that defines the Singularity.
Midgley is always of interest. I wonder what you mean by "We have avoided engaging with this - the true ‘problem’ of free will - because the materialistic credo of our time has always been framed negatively." In what sense, "negatively"?
Thanks for asking this, Asa!
It is 'negative' in that the question of free will is a priori excluded from consideration because of the materialistic credo: adherents of this view accept Descartes assumption of a split into mind and matter, but then say "mind doesn't matter, only matter matters". That shuts down any need to look at how alternative perspectives of the same events stack up differently, as you've 'boiled away' mind.
Great question - I didn't spot how ambiguous that wording was!
Chris.
Review: What is Philosophy For? by Mary Midgley
https://philosophynow.org/issues/144/What_is_Philosophy_For_by_Mary_Midgley
How do your Cyborgs relate to
The Singularity Is Near: When Humans Transcend Biology Book by Ray Kurzweil
Bob, thanks for posting a link to a review of Midgley’s last book.
Thanks for this! I've not seen that review before.
As for Kurzweil... he has been the main voice pushing forward the metaphysical view of digital salvation that this piece criticises. I can only roll me eyes, alas.
Many thanks for your comment, Bob!
Chris.
From Gemini
Ray Kurzweil's concept of the Singularity is deeply intertwined with the emergence of cyborgs and the increasing integration of humans and technology. For Kurzweil, the Singularity is not just about superintelligent AI, but also about a fundamental transformation of human existence as we transcend our biological limitations.
Here's how cyborgs connect to Kurzweil's singularity:
* Human-Machine Merger as a Pathway to the Singularity: Kurzweil predicts that humans will gradually merge with machines. This isn't necessarily a sudden event but a process of increasing integration, where our biological bodies and brains are enhanced by technology. This process will lead to the creation of what can be considered cyborgs.
* Overcoming Biological Limitations: Cyborgization, for Kurzweil, is a key mechanism for overcoming the fragility, disease, and mortality inherent in our biological forms. Through advanced nanotechnology, neural implants, and bio-cybernetic enhancements, humans will be able to repair and augment their bodies and minds. This includes reversing aging, enhancing cognitive abilities, and potentially achieving indefinite lifespans.
* Expanding Human Intelligence: A crucial aspect of the Singularity is the exponential growth of intelligence. Kurzweil envisions that our intelligence will extend beyond our physical brains, connecting with "the cloud" via brain-computer interfaces and nanobots. This will allow for a massive expansion of our cognitive capabilities, making our non-biological intelligence vastly more powerful than our unaided biological intelligence. This essentially describes a highly advanced form of cyborg.
* Evolutionary Leap: Kurzweil views this human-machine merger as the next evolutionary epoch. He believes that once AI reaches a point of self-improvement, the growth will become exponential, and to keep up, humans will need to merge with these advanced technologies. This integration is not about humans being replaced, but about humanity evolving into a "transhuman" or "posthuman" state, where the distinction between human and machine becomes increasingly blurred.
* Gradual Integration: Instead of an instantaneous conversion, Kurzweil suggests a gradual process where parts of our brains are augmented with neural implants, slowly increasing our proportion of non-biological intelligence. This "cyborgization" is a continuous journey towards the Singularity.
In essence, for Ray Kurzweil, the rise of cyborgs – humans enhanced and integrated with advanced technology – is not merely a consequence of the Singularity, but a fundamental and necessary step in its realization. It's the means by which humanity transcends its biological constraints and participates in the accelerating intelligence explosion that defines the Singularity.