Mission

The Future of Humanity Institute is the leading research centre looking at big-picture questions for human civilization. The last few centuries have seen tremendous change, and this century might transform the human condition in even more fundamental ways. Using the tools of mathematics, philosophy, and science, we explore the risks and opportunities that will arise from technological change, weigh ethical dilemmas, and evaluate global priorities. Our goal is to clarify the choices that will shape humanity�s long-term future.

"The Singularity: a Philosophical Analysis"

Date: Monday 10 May, 17:30 - 19:00

THIS EVENT IS JOINTLY SPONSORED AND ORGANISED BY FHI AND THE OXFORD CENTRE FOR NEUROETHICS.

Speaker(s): Professor David Chalmers (Australian National University)

Venue: Examination Schools, Oxford

The technological "singularity", or I.J. Good's "intelligence explosion", is the rapid transition from greater-than-human artificial intelligence to superintelligence. I will set out and analyze the argument for an intelligence explosion, and will consider the forms that such an explosion might take. I will also consider resulting practical and philosophical issues. If a singularity is likely, what are the best strategies for ensuring a good outcome? Will systems in a post-singularity world be conscious? Can we be among them?
This first lecture will need to be signed up for and all interested should email nicholas.iles@philosophy.ox.ac.uk. Visit Oxford Centre for Neuroethics website at www.neuroethics.ox.ac.uk