> The whole altruistic argument is intended as a supplement to the basic
> and very practical theory of the Singularity: If we don't get some kind
> of transhuman intelligence around *real soon*, we're dead meat.
Not necessarily. Not all of us anyway.
> My current estimate, as of right now, is that humanity has no more than
> a 30% chance of making it, probably less. The most realistic estimate
> for a seed AI transcendence is 2020; nanowar, before 2015. The most
> optimistic estimate for project Elisson would be 2006; the earliest
> nanowar, 2003.
Conclusion: we need a (space) vehicle that can move us out of harm's way when the trouble starts. Of course it must also be able to sustain you for at least 10 years or so. A basic colonization of Mars immediately comes to mind. Perhaps a scaled-up version of Zubrin's Mars Direct plan. Research aimed at uploading must continue at full speed of course while going to, and living on, Mars (or another extra-terrestrial location).
> So we have a chance, but do you see why I'm not being picky about what
> kind of Singularity I'll accept?
No. Only a very specific kind of Singularity (the kind where you personally transcend) is acceptable. I'd rather have no Singularity than one where I'm placed at the mercy of posthuman Gods (I think all Libertarians, anarchists, individualists and other freedom-loving individuals will have to agree here).
> The point is - are you so utterly, absolutely, unflinchingly certain
> that (1) morality is subjective
Probably, but who cares? Whether it's objective or subjective, seeking to live (indefinitely) and prosper is *always* a good decision (if only because it buys you time to consider philosophical issues such as the one above). If "objective morality" tells me to die, it can go and kiss my ass.
(2) your morality is correct
Maybe(?) not perfect, but certainly good enough.
(3)
> AI-based Powers would kill you and
(4) human Powers would be your
> friends - that you would try to deliberately avoid an AI-based Singularity?
> It will take *incredibly* sophisticated nanotechnology before a human
> can become the first Power - *far* beyond that needed for one guy to
> destroy the world.
Hence, to space, asap svp.
> (Earliest estimate: 2025. Most realistic: 2040.)
> We're running close enough to the edge as it is. It is by no means
> certain that the AI Powers will be any more hostile or less friendly
> than the human ones. I really don't think we can afford to be choosy.