From: J. R. Molloy (jr@shasta.com)
Date: Fri Mar 16 2001 - 19:05:53 MST
Ross Andrew Finlayson writes,
> About the simulation concept, if we're in a simulation, we're all in it,
as
> were the dinosaurs millions of years ago, the simulation has been
running
> since the start of time, and it's better known as reality.
We're not in a simulation. I know... how boring.
Notice, however, the last sentence in The Economist article:
"Let us hope it does not develop any personality disorders."
Do you think considering itself to be in a simulation might qualify as a
personality disorder?
The convergence of info-technology, bio-technology, and nano-technology
(referenced in the article pointed to in Max's recent post), promises to
make friendly robots a reality before SI, by all reasonable guesses. Ergo,
evolutionary phase transition will make Darwin more comfortable among the
machines than among the humans. By that I mean machines will evolve more
quickly than humans. So, expecting to take part in the phase transition
may constitute a personality disorder as far as autonomous robots are
concerned. I'm not trying to be negative here, just pointing out this
distinct possibility.
Stay hungry,
--J. R.
Useless hypotheses: consciousness, phlogiston, philosophy, vitalism, mind,
free will
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