Technolgical Singularity

[userdimmack]

I have been reading for some time varying articles covering this "Technological Singularity" and have only one question, does there exist a biological equivalent? I believe there is. The parallels between nature and what we term technology are hard to miss, and technology is often cited as in a state of evolution. the connectedness could be seen as simply input/output, assuming we operate at some level in a purely nurture verse nature way. In other words people tend to look to nature (input) for inspiration (output), as can been seen in so many of these technologies. This, at least for me, begs the question can what we term as technology be considered as actually being part of nature? I think so. Some might say that technology is seperate because it is created from that which nature provides, which obviously draws sentient beings into the picture and the question; if we are a result of evolution (creation from that which nature provides) then should we ourselves be termed as technology?

 

It's an exciting time to be alive.

 

 

[RainmanTime]

This, at least for me, begs the question can what we term as technology be considered as actually being part of nature? I think so. Some might say that technology is seperate because it is created from that which nature provides, which obviously draws sentient beings into the picture and the question; if we are a result of evolution (creation from that which nature provides) then should we ourselves be termed as technology?

It is an artifical (and non-systemic) approach to arbitrarily segregate anything that man creates as not being part of Nature. We are part of the natural system, so how can something we create NOT be part of it? A different classification within it, yes. But separate from it? Can't be.The systemic approach, as you indicate, deals with inputs, transformation of those inputs to serve some purpose, and results in outputs. Conservation Laws (energy, momentum, etc.) have been validated over and over.

 

This is also problematic for the people who wish to blame mankind for all sorts of things, like global warming, for one. The guy who took hostages at the Discovery Channel building is a good example. He wants humans to go away, but to save the squirrels. Grow up, dude (well, he's dead now so that will be a problem). We are all part of Nature. Doesn't mean we should not be responsible. Only that it is all one big system.

 

RMT

 

 

[paladius]

I think if you look at humans as a created technology, then you must also look into the possibility that technology (as we think of it) has some form of awareness. Atoms and Ions assembled in non-chaotic form may have some form of self-awareness on a level that we do not perceive. Of course, if you believe this, you might also be perfectly happy with a real pet rock.

 

 

[Darby]

Atoms and Ions assembled in non-chaotic form may have some form of self-awareness on a level that we do not perceive.

I dunno about you all, but last time I checked I was self-aware, able to preceive that I was self-aware and I'm rather certain that I'm made up from a collection of somewhat ordered atoms and ions ranging from hydrogen to uranium.

[paladius]

I was referring to man made technology... thought it was clear.

 

 

[Darby]

"I was referring to man made technology... thought it was clear. "

 

I think if you look at humans as a created technology, then you must also look into the possibility that technology (as we think of it) has some form of awareness.

Apparently you didn't make it clear.