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Parul Sehgal of The New York Times stated “In these pieces, plucked from the last 20 years, Holt takes on infinity and the infinitesimal, the illusion of time, the birth of eugenics, the so-called new atheism, smartphones and distraction. It is an elegant history of recent ideas. There are a few historical correctives — he dismantles the notion that Ada Lovelace, the daughter of Lord Byron, was the first computer programmer. But he generally prefers to perch in the middle of a muddle — say, the string theory wars — and hear evidence from both sides without rushing to adjudication. The essays orbit around three chief concerns: How do we conceive of the world (metaphysics), how do we know what we know (epistemology) and how do we conduct ourselves (ethics)”. [ 6 ]

Steven Poole of The Wall Street Journal commented “…this collection of previously published essays by Jim Holt, who is one of the very best modern science writers”. [ 7 ]

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“The meaningful difference,” argues Silverstein, “comes down to our lifespan. For humans, our mortality defines so much of our experience. If a human commits murder and receives a life sentence, we understand what that means: a finite number of years. But if a UI with an indefinite lifespan commits murder, what do life sentences mean? Are we talking about a regular human lifespan? 300 years? A thousand? Then there’s love and relationships. Let’s say you find your soulmate and spend a thousand years together. At some point, you may decide you had a good run and move on with someone else. The idea of not growing old with someone feels alien and upsetting. But if we were to live hundreds or thousands of years, our perceptions of relationships and identity may change fundamentally.”

“One of the best” because — in addition to having a well-crafted, suspenseful, and heartfelt narrative about love and loss — thoughtfully engages with both the technical and philosophical questions raised by its cerebral premise: Is a perfect digital copy of a person’s mind still meaningfully human? Does uploaded intelligence, which combines the processing power of a supercomputer with the emotional intelligence of a sentient being, have a competitive edge over cold, unfeeling artificial intelligence? How would uploaded intelligence compromise ethics or geopolitical strategy?

“Underrated” because was produced by — and first aired on — AMC+, a streaming service that, owing to the dominance of Netflix, HBO Max, Disney+, and Amazon Prime, has but a fraction of its competitors’ subscribers and which, motivated by losses in ad revenue, ended up canceling the show’s highly anticipated (and fully completed) second season in exchange for tax write-offs. Although has since been salvaged by Netflix, […] its troubled distribution history resulted in the show becoming a bit of a hidden gem, rather than the global hit it could have been, had it premiered on a platform with more eyeballs.

Still, the fact that managed to endure and build a steadily growing cult following is a testament to the show’s quality and cultural relevance. Although the concept of uploaded intelligence is nothing new, and has been tackled by other prominent sci-fi properties like Black Mirror and Altered Carbon, is unique in that it not only explores how this hypothetical technology would affect us on a personal level, but also explores how it might play out on a societal level. Furthermore, take is a nuanced one, rejecting both techno-pessimism and techno-optimism in favor of what series creator Craig Silverstein calls “techno-realism.”

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Convergent engagement of neural and computational sciences and technologies are reciprocally enabling rapid developments in current and near-future military and intelligence operations. In this podcast, Prof. James Giordano of Georgetown University will provide an overview of how these scientific and technological fields can be — and are being — leveraged for non-kinetic and kinetic what has become known as cognitive warfare; and will describe key issues in this rapidly evolving operational domain.

James Giordano PhD, is the Pellegrino Center Professor in the Departments of Neurology and Biochemistry; Chief of the Neuroethics Studies Program; Co-director of the Project in Brain Sciences and Global Health Law and Policy; and Chair of the Subprogram in Military Medical Ethics at Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington DC. Professor Giordano is Senior Bioethicist of the Defense Medical Ethics Center, and Adjunct Professor of Psychiatry at the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences; Distinguished Stockdale Fellow in Science, Technology, and Ethics at the United States Naval Academy; Senior Science Advisory Fellow of the SMA Branch, Joint Staff, Pentagon; Non-resident Fellow of the Simon Center for the Military Ethic at the US Military Academy, West Point; Distinguished Visiting Professor of Biomedical Sciences, Health Promotions, and Ethics at the Coburg University of Applied Sciences, Coburg, GER; Chair Emeritus of the Neuroethics Project of the IEEE Brain Initiative; and serves as Director of the Institute for Biodefense Research, a federally funded Washington DC think tank dedicated to addressing emerging issues at the intersection of science, technology and national defense. He previously served as Donovan Group Senior Fellow, US Special Operations Command; member of the Neuroethics, Legal, and Social Issues Advisory Panel of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA); and Task Leader of the Working Group on Dual-Use of the EU-Human Brain Project. Prof. Giordano is the author of over 350 peer-reviewed publications, 9 books and 50governmental reports on science, technology, and biosecurity, and is an elected member of the European Academy of Science and Arts, a Fellow of the Royal Society of Medicine (UK), and a Fulbright Professorial Fellow. A former US Naval officer, he was winged as an aerospace physiologist, and served with the US Navy and Marine Corps.

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The future of AI is here—and it’s running on human brain cells! In a groundbreaking development, scientists have created the first AI system powered by biological neurons, blurring the line between technology and biology. But what does this mean for the future of artificial intelligence, and how does it work?

This revolutionary AI, known as “Brainoware,” uses lab-grown human brain cells to perform complex tasks like speech recognition and decision-making. By combining the adaptability of biological neurons with the precision of AI algorithms, researchers have unlocked a new frontier in computing. But with this innovation comes ethical questions and concerns about the implications of merging human biology with machines.

In this video, we’ll explore how Brainoware works, its potential applications, and the challenges it faces. Could this be the key to creating truly intelligent machines? Or does it raise red flags about the ethical boundaries of AI research?

What is Brainoware, and how does it work? What are the benefits and risks of AI powered by human brain cells? How will this technology shape the future of AI? This video answers all these questions and more. Don’t miss the full story—watch until the end!

#ai.
#artificialintelligence.
#ainews.

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Continue reading “The First AI that Runs on Human Brain Cells is Finally Here!” | >

DNA holds the key to understanding life itself… From genetics and the human genome to gene editing, it shapes our health, evolution, and future… Discover how CRISPR, forensic science, and genetic engineering are transforming medicine… Explore the mysteries of ancient DNA, the role of the microbiome, and the promise of gene therapy… Personalized medicine is revolutionizing healthcare, allowing treatments tailored to our genetic code… Learn how hereditary diseases are being decoded and cured through biotechnology and DNA sequencing… The future of medicine depends on genetic research, but genetic ethics raise profound questions… The genome project has paved the way for DNA fingerprinting, cloning, and synthetic biology… With genetic modification, we are reshaping evolution itself… Will genetic testing lead to designer babies or eliminate genetic disorders? As gene therapy advancements push the limits of precision medicine, are we ready for these medical breakthroughs and DNA discoveries?

Sources.
Watson, J. D., & Crick, F. H. C. (1953). Nature, 171(4356), 737–738.
Collins, F. S., & McKusick, V. A. (2001). Science, 291(5507), 1215–1220.
Jinek, M., Chylinski, K., Fonfara, I., Hauer, M., Doudna, J. A., & Charpentier, E. (2012). Science, 337(6096), 816–821.
Pääbo, S. (2014). Annual Review of Genetics, 38, 645–679.
Lander, E. S., Linton, L. M., Birren, B., et al. (2001). Nature, 409(6822), 860–921.

#DNABreakthroughs #GeneticsRevolution #HumanGenome #GeneTherapy #FutureOfMedicine.

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bZWKW53XA0o.

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The hosts discuss the 2014 film Transcendence by Wally Pfister and Jack Paglen. It depicts a world grappling with the implications of advanced artificial intelligence. The narrative follows a brilliant scientist whose consciousness is uploaded into a powerful computer system, leading to rapid technological advancements and sparking both hope and fear in humanity. As this AI evolves, questions arise about its intentions, its impact on society, and the very definition of life and consciousness, creating escalating conflict and raising profound ethical dilemmas. The screenplay excerpts depict a world grappling with the implications of advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) and nanotechnology, touching upon several ethical topics. Dr. Max Waters, an AI researcher, is central to the narrative. There’s evidence of mind uploading or the transfer of consciousness to machines, particularly concerning a character named Will (Johnny Depp). This raises fundamental ethical questions about the nature of consciousness, the definition of life, and the potential for a digital consciousness.

The development of a powerful AI and the proliferation of nanotechnology appear to lead to a technological singularity, a point where technological growth becomes uncontrollable and irreversible, raising fears of a dystopian future and tech gone wrong. An organization called the RIFT opposes this technological advancement, highlighting the ethical concerns surrounding uncontrolled technological progress.

The screenplay also features conflict and threats, suggesting the potential for misuse of advanced technology and raising questions about its impact on humanity. The involvement of the FBI indicates that this technology poses a significant threat to societal order. Furthermore, the presence of a computer virus as a plot device suggests the vulnerabilities and risks associated with highly interconnected technological systems. The narrative explores the complex ethical dilemmas arising from the creation of highly intelligent machines and the transformative power of nanotechnology, including the potential loss of human autonomy and the unpredictable consequences of the AISingularity. #artificialintelligence #Transcendence #SciFiThriller #AISingularity #Nanotechnology #MindUploading #FutureTech #DystopianFuture #TechGoneWrong #Consciousness #MovieScreenplay #ScienceFiction #TechnologicalSingularity #AI

#Robotics #scifi #Technology #Innovation #Automation #Society #Economics #Work #Future #Dystopia #Utopia #ScienceFiction #Satire #SocialCommentary #skeptic #podcast #synopsis #books #bookreview #ai #artificialintelligence #booktube #aigenerated #documentary #alternativeviews #aideepdive #science #hiddenhistory #futurism #videoessay #ethics

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Rodolfo Llinas tells the story of how he has developed bundles of nanowires thinner than spider webs that can be inserted into the blood vessels of human brains.

While these wires have so far only been tested in animals, they prove that direct communication with the deep recesses of the brain may not be so far off. To understand just how big of a breakthrough this is—US agents from the National Security Agency quickly showed up at the MIT laboratory when the wires were being developed.

What does this mean for the future? It might be possible to stimulate the senses directly — creating visual perceptions, auditory perceptions, movements, and feelings. Deep brain stimulation could create the ultimate virtual reality. Not to mention, direct communication between man and machine or human brain to human brain could become a real possibility.

Llinas poses compelling questions about the potentials and ethics of his technology.

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The future of warfare starts in your mind. Understand how Neuroscience, Technology/AI and the OODA loop affects your flow. The world is changing, and cognitive warfare is at the forefront. In our latest podcast episode, we sit down with James Giordano, PhD, a Navy veteran and an expert in neurocognitive science, to delve into the world of cognitive warfare.
Stay in the Loop: https://www.aglx.com/newsletter-signup-north-america.
From the impact of emotions on decision-making to the integration of artificial intelligence and human cognition, this episode challenges your perspective on the battlefield. Join us as we explore the ethical implications of genetic modifications, the transformative effects of psychedelics, and the complexities of data usage in the digital age. Get ready to reimagine the relationship between technology, culture, and language. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to gain valuable insights from our thought-provoking conversation with Dr. Giordano. Tune in now to stay ahead of the curve on the evolving landscape of warfare!

00:00 — Understanding the OODA loop: A Neuroscience Perspective.
09:11 — Exploring Fifth Generation Warfare and Liminal Warfare.
16:06 — The Long Game: China’s Strategic Plan.
22:19 — Understanding Cognitive Warfare and Human-Machine Teaming.
25:52 — The Evolution of Human-Machine Teaming.
29:11 — Human Involvement in AI Decision Making.
36:01 — The Ethics of Paternalistic AI Systems.
40:43 — Technology’s Impact on Cognitive Engagement.
45:13 — Exploring Technologies for Human Performance Enhancement.
55:59 — Diving Into Attacking Mode and Ethics.
56:24 — Hacking the Human Genome.
59:37 — Epigenetic Modification and Phenotypic Shift.
1:04:54 — The Psychedelic Revolution.
1:11:18 — Revisiting Alcohol and Caffeine: Benefits and Burdens.
1:19:18 — Impact of Technology on Cognitive Capacity.
1:23:33 — Information Overload and Burdens.
1:27:02 — Ownership and Security of Personal Data.
1:31:56 — Identifying Predispositional Traits.
1:33:49 — Data Manipulation and Biometrics.
1:40:13 — Cultural Impact of Technology.
1:48:55 — The Role of Education in Integrating Science, Technology, Ethics, and Policy.
1:54:30 — Major Threats and Concerns in Today’s World.

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Today Dr. Dan Korman and Noah McKay join me to discuss evolutionary debunking arguments. Can our moral beliefs survive skeptical threats?

Like the show? Help it grow! Consider becoming a patron (thanks!): / majestyofreason.

If you wanna make a one-time donation or tip (thanks!): https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/josep… 0:00 Intro 1:40 Debunking arguments 6:22 Three kinds of debunking arguments 14:43 Telic debunking argument 22:05 Explanationist pushback 38:51 Swampman pushback 59:51 New function pushback 1:16:45 Dan’s favored approach 1:25:01 Concluding thoughts RESOURCES Dan’s website (with his papers): https://danielzkorman.weebly.com/ Noah’s website (with his papers): https://noahdmckay.wordpress.com/ Dan’s paper, “Debunking Arguments”, https://philarchive.org/archive/KORDA-2 Dan’s paper, “An explanationist Account of Genealogical Defeat ”, https://philpapers.org/rec/KORAEA-4 Noah’s paper, ” Can Rational Reflection Save Moral Knowledge from Debunking?”, https://philpapers.org/rec/MCKCRR Noah’s paper, ” Moral knowledge and the existence of God”, https://philpapers.org/rec/MCKMKA My Metaethics playlist: • Metaethics My Springer book: (a) https://www.amazon.com/Existential-In?tag=lifeboatfound-20… (b) https://link.springer.com/book/10.100… THE USUAL… Follow the Majesty of Reason podcast! https://open.spotify.com/show/4Nda5uN… Join the Discord and chat all things philosophy! https://dsc.gg/majestyofreason My website: https://josephschmid.com My PhilPeople profile: https://philpeople.org/profiles/josep…

OUTLINE

0:00 Intro.
1:40 Debunking arguments.
6:22 Three kinds of debunking arguments.
14:43 Telic debunking argument.
22:05 Explanationist pushback.
38:51 Swampman pushback.
59:51 New function pushback.
1:16:45 Dan’s favored approach.
1:25:01 Concluding thoughts.

RESOURCES.

Continue reading “Does evolution DEBUNK morality?” | >