Superintelligence

The human brain possesses distinctive capabilities that set it apart from the brains of other animals, giving our species its dominant position. While other animals may have stronger muscles or sharper claws, our cleverer brains elevate us. However, if machine brains eventually surpass human intelligence, this new superintelligence could become incredibly powerful. Just as the fate of gorillas now depends more on humans than the gorillas themselves, the fate of our species may depend on the actions of the machine superintelligence.

Yet, we have the advantage of being able to make the first move. Our goal is to construct a seed AI or engineer initial conditions that enable us to survive an intelligence explosion. To achieve this controlled detonation, we must consider a range of topics, from oracles, genies, singletons, and boxing methods to tripwires, mind crime, and differential technological development. We must also examine indirect normativity, instrumental convergence, whole brain emulation, technology couplings, Malthusian economics, dystopian evolution, artificial intelligence, biological-cognitive enhancement, and collective intelligence.

Despite the vast and challenging intellectual terrain, Nick Bostrom's book provides a profound and original journey. Bostrom expertly guides readers through intricate theories and concepts, making even the most difficult-to-grasp ideas easy to understand. After embarking on a mesmerizing journey - exploring the frontiers of thinking about the human condition and the future of intelligent life - readers will discover a groundbreaking reimagining of the essential task of our time.

作者简介

NickBostromisProfessorintheFacultyofPhilosophyatOxfordUniversityandfoundingDirectoroftheFutureofHumanityInstituteandoftheProgrammeontheImpactsofFutureTechnologywithintheOxfordMartinSchool.Heistheauthorofsome200publications,includingAnthropicBias(Routledge,2002),GlobalCatastrophicRisks(ed.,2008),andHumanEnhancement(ed.,OU...