Submit or Track your Manuscript LOG-IN

The Earthling's Secret Weapon: Cumulative Culture and the Singularity

The Earthling's Secret Weapon: Cumulative Culture and the Singularity

Neil Levy

Macquarie University and University of Oxford.

Email: neil.levy@mq.edu.au

ABSTRACT

Abstract | Many researchers believe that the singularity – roughly, explosive growth in machine intelligence, resulting in the appearance of AIs that are vastly superior to us cognitively – will or might occur in the relatively near future. Understandably, many are worried by this prospect. In this paper, I argue that we have less to fear from the singularity than many people think. Depending on how we define ‘singularity’, it is either less likely to occur, or it will likely occur in a form that is not threatening to us. I argue that the capacity for cumulative culture is central to our success as a species, and AIs that rely on processing power alone, without the scaffolding of culture, are unlikely to outcompete us intellectually. There is, however, nothing to prevent AIs from having, and taking advantage of, a capacity for culture. AIs with such a capacity may have intellectual powers greater than ours currently are, but the collective deliberation that underlies the power of cumulative culture is more powerful when there is sufficient diversity among the deliberators. This fact will give AIs a reason to value our continued flourishing, so that we are able to contribute to valuable epistemic diversity. 

To share on other social networks, click on any share button. What are these?

Science, Religion and Culture

June

Vol. 5, Sp. Iss. 1 Pages 1-82

Featuring

Click here for more

Subscribe Today

Receive free updates on new articles, opportunities and benefits


Subscribe Unsubscribe