From: Eliezer S. Yudkowsky (sentience@pobox.com)
Date: Sun Mar 07 1999 - 02:00:45 MST
Max More wrote:
>
> http://www.maxmore.com/extropy.html
== Comment on that page
> What is Extropy?
>
> EXTROPY: A metaphor, loosely related to the idea of negentropy,
> that refers to basic attitudes and values shared by those who want
> to overcome human limits. These values and attitudes are
> explained in The Extropian Principles and include a desire to
> direct oneself in pursuing perpetual progress and
> self-transformation with an attitude of practical optimism
> implemented using rational thinking and intelligent technology in
> an open society.
Never start by defining your idea as something it isn't. I would suggest:
'EXTROPY: A metaphor that refers to basic attitudes and values shared by
those who want to overcome human limits through technology. [Lots of
guys want to do it through Guru Spammachakra. Distinguish immediately,
but using a positive term rather than a protest.] [Shorter version:
"EXTROPY: The core values associated with overcoming human limits
through technology."] These values and attitudes are explained in The
Extropian Principles and include a desire to direct oneself in pursuing
perpetual progress and self-transformation with an attitude of practical
optimism implemented using rational thinking and intelligent technology
in an open society. Extropy, as a metaphor, is directly opposed to the
metaphorical connotations of entropy, but is not to be confused with the
technical term "negentropy".'
> (2) "Extropy, hmm, that must have something to do with
> entropy. Is it the opposite?"
>
> (1) One reason why I adopted the term "extropy" (which was coined
> by T.O. Morrow) was indeed because of its implication of
> anti-entropic ideals
> (5) "Aren’t all isms dangerous, even extropianism?"
>
> (3) "Is Extropianism a complete worldview?"
>
> (4) "Does Extropianism refer to a set of required beliefs?"
>
> (6) "Are you sure that extropy is not a thing I can
> measure?"
I would suggest these topics be rearranged in that order.
--
sentience@pobox.com Eliezer S. Yudkowsky
http://pobox.com/~sentience/AI_design.temp.html
http://pobox.com/~sentience/sing_analysis.html
Disclaimer: Unless otherwise specified, I'm not telling you
everything I think I know.
This archive was generated by hypermail 2.1.5 : Fri Nov 01 2002 - 15:03:16 MST