An existence proof is very different from a constructive proof! Nature did not happen upon this design on the first try, the brain has evolved for billions of generations. Of course, intelligence can work faster than the blind idiot god, and humanity, if it survives long enough, will do better. The question is, will this take decades or centuries?
An existence proof is very different from a constructive proof!
Quite so. However, it does give reason to hope.
The question is, will this take decades or centuries?
If you look at Moore's Law coming to a close in silicon around 2020, and we're still so far away from a human brain equivalent computer, it's easy to get disheartened. I think it's important to remember that it's at least possible, and if nature could happen upon it..
I'm giving a talk to the Boulder Future Salon in Boulder, Colorado in a few weeks on the Intelligence Explosion hypothesis. I've given it once before in Korea but I think the crowd I'm addressing will be more savvy than the last one (many of them have met Eliezer personally). It could end up being important, so I was wondering if anyone considers themselves especially capable of playing Devil's Advocate so I could shape up a bit before my talk? I'd like there to be no real surprises.
I'd be up for just messaging back and forth or skyping, whatever is convenient.