[extropy-chat] Still confused:)

[Robert Bradbury]

On 8/29/06, Anna Taylor <femmechakra at gmail.com> wrote:
>
> I would like to know what are the significant differences between the
> Extropian chat list and the Sl4 list?


Anna, the Sl4 list tends to have a greater focus on artificial intelligence
and the singularity than the Extropian list.  I believe, very subjectively,
this may be due to the fact that some (many?) of the Sl4 subscribers believe
that an AI "overlord" may be essential to a "well managed" Singularity.  Or
perhaps that they believe an AI will bring about the Singularity more
quickly.

What are the differences between believing in the Singularity and
> being an Extropian or Transhumanist?


I believe that most Extropians or Transhumanists believe that the
Singularity is happening.  The fine points involve (a) How fast is it
happening? (b) Should it be accelerated or delayed? and (c) Are there
"external" philosophical guidelines as to how to best manage it?

Briefly...
An Extropian wants to save as much past & present information as possible
and maximize the amount of future information available (with careful
consideration as to how much past or present information may be lost).  A
transhumanist just wants it to happen quickly (so they can get the benefits
presumably [if some information or people get "lost" in the process they are
less concerned]).  A Sl4 proponent probably believes that an advanced
general AI or a friendly AI are the best (fastest?) and/or safest way to get
to and/or through the Singularity.

I'm sure there are quite different views however.

Robert
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