• Vessuvius
    117
    As there proceeds the development of technology, at a pace that knows for itself little compare, and which accordingly, is without precedent, the limits imposed upon our function, and thence the sum of our abilities, at birth, grow more apparent. As our understanding of the world and every domain of which it consists, broadens, we find ourselves at a juncture that is most crucial for deciding upon the end of our course; of where the path down which we walk, leads. This fact is most embodied in the substitution of the forces of labor, wheresoever its change be a profitable one, for those which belong to an automated-type; that man has been deprived of the opportunity to pursue that which he has long held in esteem, and served as an instrument in the execution of, doesn't mean his utility is lost. Of significance is that the path of discovery remains rooted in an experience that is at its core, human; providing cause for the ambitions of a fortunate few whose complexity, and depth of thought, allow for such things. Yet, even in the area of study, of betterment of those systems on which we depend, those forms of device which from the outset were designed to complement our abilities, have themselves become so advanced, and needed, as to prove an indispensable part. Certain algorithmic procedures for instance, have assumed the position of what was once the point of trial and error, and by means of which the effects of what object, or process one chooses to analyze is simulated, as contrasting with its true application of which the latter instead is representative. In consequence, we are left with the possibility of our becoming obsolescent, of becoming nothing more than a hindrance to greater progress. This, seems to signify the need for a transition of sorts, to move beyond the human, to ensure that despite the products of our own genius having come to the fore, and to an extent, displaced us in our claims thereto, our relevance to the world is maintained, and likewise to the facilitation of progress, generally.

    The impetus for my reflection; https://aeon.co/essays/will-brains-or-algorithms-rule-science
    https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brain–computer_interface
    https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Technological_singularity
    https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transhumanism
    https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Technological_unemployment
  • Outlander
    1.8k
    Unique risks. Using available logic it may be hard to rationalize why I'd rather be able to be killed by a knife or bullet or my heart otherwise stopping than by a solar storm or EMP blast but I believe the reasons are there.

    For someone to turn the world I live in beyond my own upside down, he has to surpass all mankind. For one to turn a virtual world upside down he only need bypass a few 1s and 0s.
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