The technological singularity is a popular image describing the rapid development of computation power. It was first [proposed](https://edoras.sdsu.edu/~vinge/misc/singularity.html) by Vernor Vinge in 1993. He claims that technology will eventually outpace theoretical models for human behavior, inhibiting our ability to predict how new tools will influence [[Economics MOC|economic]] and social realities. In physics and mathematics, a singularity is broadly defined as a point at which the laws and axioms governing the behavior of an object become undefined. These are respectively illustrated by [[Black Hole|black holes]] and [division by zero](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Division_by_zero). Vinge argues that the pace of technological development (in 1993) was such that the models for predicting how technology will advance civilization will lose relevance and definition beyond a certain point. He borrows the term from a [retrospective](https://www.ams.org/journals/bull/1958-64-03/S0002-9904-1958-10189-5/S0002-9904-1958-10189-5.pdf) of a conversation between [John von Neumann](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_von_Neumann) and [Stanislaw Ulam](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stanis%C5%82aw_Ulam). > [!quote] Stanislaw Ulam > One conversation centered on the ever accelerating progress of technology and changes in the mode of human life, which gives the appearance of approaching some essential singularity in the history of the race beyond which human affairs, as we know them, could not continue.[^1] Automation and virality are two "symptoms" of technological progress. The singularity represents a point at which automation creates techological unemployment and virality makes radicalism commonplace. The singularity is driven by the current economic and behavioral models. [[Competition]]-based models of markets and society ensure that technological progress will continue toward its inevitable conclusion. This is a good illustration of how the momentum of a [[Complex Adaptive Systems|complex adaptive system]] imposes challenges to assumptions of [[free will]]. In Vinge's view, artificial general intelligence (AGI) as a function of computing power represents this point in popular literature, but he believes the more mundane development of **intelligence amplification (IA)** represents the inflection point for exploring new sociological models in the advancement of technology. I refer to this as **intelligence augmentation**. These are tools that automate some of the cognitive tasks of the individual. Vinge believes IA applications hold more promise for our ability to anticipate how the singularity will inform and improve human life models. He offers brain-computer interfaces, human-computer (copilot) development teams, and artist-algorithm collaborations as possible examples for new modes of behavior. The development of IA technologies provides for the possibility of humans to participate in the unfolding singularity. This presents reconsideration of ethics and morals. Vinge, as a popular science fiction writer, proposes the concept of "strong superhumanity" as a framework for exploring the ethical implications of the power bestowed by emerging technologies. It is possible that the inability to predict the future beyond a certain point is reminiscent of a [Malthusian catastrophe](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malthusian_catastrophe). Addressing the mystery of the impending singularity is one of the primary themes in the [[New Mythology]]. [^1]: Ulam, S. (1958). Tribute to John von Neumann. _Bulletin of the American mathematical society_, _64_(3), 1-49. %% ## Notes