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The term ''Technological Singularity'' refers to the creation of [[computers]] or [[artificial intelligence]] with greater than human intelligence.  It was first suggested by Vernor Vinge in 1993. <ref> An article was presented at the VISION-21 Symposium sponsored by NASA Lewis Research Center and the Ohio Aerospace Institute, March 30-31, 1993. For details see http://www-rohan.sdsu.edu/faculty/vinge/misc/singularity.html</ref>  Some have humorously dubbed it "[[Rapture]] for nerds".

The term ''Technological Singularity'' refers to the creation of [[computers]] or [[artificial intelligence]] with greater than human intelligence.  It was first suggested by Vernor Vinge in 1993.<ref>An article was presented at the VISION-21 Symposium sponsored by NASA Lewis Research Center and the Ohio Aerospace Institute, March 30–31, 1993. For details see http://www-rohan.sdsu.edu/faculty/vinge/misc/singularity.html</ref>  Some have humorously dubbed it "[[Rapture]] for nerds".

The theory discusses the acceleration of technological progress which has been the central feature of the past century, and claims that we are on the edge of change comparable to the rise of human life on Earth. The precise cause of this change is the imminent creation by technology of entities with greater-than-human intelligence. Science may achieve this breakthrough by several means, and Vinge claims that this is another reason for having confidence that the event will occur before 2030.

The theory discusses the acceleration of technological progress which has been the central feature of the past century, and claims that we are on the edge of change comparable to the rise of human life on Earth. The precise cause of this change is the imminent creation by technology of entities with greater-than-human intelligence. Science may achieve this breakthrough by several means, and Vinge claims that this is another reason for having confidence that the event will occur before 2030.

# Large computer networks (and their associated users) may "wake up" as superhumanly intelligent entities.

# Large computer networks (and their associated users) may "wake up" as superhumanly intelligent entities.

# Computer/human interfaces may become so intimate that users may reasonably be considered superhumanly intelligent.

# Computer/human interfaces may become so intimate that users may reasonably be considered superhumanly intelligent.

# Biological science may provide means to improve natural human intellect. <ref> Full paper available at: http://www-rohan.sdsu.edu/faculty/vinge/misc/WER2.html</ref>

# Biological science may provide means to improve natural human intellect.<ref>Full paper available at: http://www-rohan.sdsu.edu/faculty/vinge/misc/WER2.html</ref>

In a recent book, [[Ray Kurzweil]] <ref> Kurzweil, R., (2005), The Singularity is Near: When Humans Transcend Biology, ISBN 0670033847, </ref> extends the idea of the singularity to cover the fields of genetics, nanotech, robotics, and the rapidly changing definition of humanity. He says:   

In a recent book, [[Ray Kurzweil]] <ref>Kurzweil, R., (2005), The Singularity is Near: When Humans Transcend Biology, ISBN 0670033847,</ref> extends the idea of the singularity to cover the fields of genetics, nanotech, robotics, and the rapidly changing definition of humanity. He says:   

''"An analysis of the history of technology shows that technological change is exponential, contrary to the common-sense 'intuitive linear' view. So we won't experience 100 years of progress in the twenty first century—it will be more like 20,000 years of progress (at today's rate)."''

''"An analysis of the history of technology shows that technological change is exponential, contrary to the common-sense 'intuitive linear' view. So we won't experience 100 years of progress in the twenty first century—it will be more like 20,000 years of progress (at today's rate)."''

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[[category:philosophy]]

[[Category:Philosophy]]

[[category:Computers]]

[[Category:Computers]]