Within thirty years, we will have the technological
means to create superhuman intelligence. Shortly after,
the human era will be ended.
Is such progress avoidable? If not to be avoided, can
events be guided so that we may survive? These questions
are investigated. Some possible answers (and some further
dangers) are presented.
There may be developed computers that are "awake" and
superhumanly intelligent. (To date, there has been much
controversy as to whether we can create human equivalence in a
machine. But if the answer is "yes, we can", then there is little
doubt that beings more intelligent can be constructed shortly
thereafter.)
Large computer networks (and their associated users) may "wake
up" as a superhumanly intelligent entity.
Computer/human interfaces may become so intimate that users
may reasonably be considered superhumanly intelligent.
Biological science may provide means to improve natural
human intellect.
clipped from: mindstalk.net