The Singularity

This hugely informative volume on the Singularity - the idea that artificial intelligence can and will outstrip human intelligence - considers this possibility and its implications very seriously. The structure is based on a brilliant keynote essay by the philosopher David Chalmers, with interdisciplinary commentaries from authoritative figures in philosophy, physics, futurism, AI research, neuroscience and ethics. It begins with a sceptical essay by the journalist Bryan Appleyard then a very thorough and considered introduction by the editor. Among the nearly 30 distinguished contributors are Daniel Dennett, Susan Greenfield, Frank Tipler, Ray Kurzweil, and the book is endorsed by Lord Rees. The Chalmers essay is a model of clear exposition, laying out the issues in a systematic way. One key general assumption, supported by many in the field including John Searle, is that the brain is a biological machine and therefore susceptible to artificial emulation when uploaded into a different format. Among others, Susan Greenfield challenges this assumption, maintaining that neurons are dynamic rather than mechanistic and discussing more sophisticated types of intelligence, understanding and even wisdom. One idea I found strange in Chalmers (p. 48) is that just because we have no idea how a nonbiological system could be conscious and we have equally no idea how a biological system could be conscious, then we should assume that both biological and nonbiological systems can be conscious. The volume raises profound questions about the nature of identity, especially in the light of how one might upload the brain into an artificial vehicle. Daniel Dennett reflects that we already controlled by the Internet, while Ray Kurzweil observes that our intelligent devices have already become part of who we are and we are gradually becoming a hybrid of biological and nonbiological intelligence (p. 312). For those who seriously want to engage with the philosophical issues raised by the Singularity, this volume is essential reading.