What's the worst that could happen?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a computer program called Avida, which simulates digital evolution through the creation of digital organisms that can replicate and mutate. Participants explore the implications of this technology, referencing popular culture and expressing excitement and concern about the potential outcomes of manipulating digital evolution.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes Avida's ability to create digital organisms that replicate and mutate, suggesting it proves evolution effectively.
  • Another participant humorously warns against the dangers of such technology, referencing films like 'The Terminator' and 'The Matrix'.
  • Several participants express enthusiasm about experimenting with Avida, with one claiming to have the power to control evolution.
  • Concerns are raised about the implications of having individuals with limited experience manipulating such powerful technology.
  • A participant jokingly mentions evolving a digital organism that recognizes a humorous phrase, indicating the playful nature of the discussion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally share a mix of excitement and concern regarding the implications of Avida, with no clear consensus on the potential risks or benefits of using the program.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes speculative and humorous remarks about the capabilities of digital organisms and the responsibilities of those experimenting with them, highlighting the playful yet uncertain nature of the topic.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in digital evolution, computer simulations, and the philosophical implications of artificial intelligence may find this discussion engaging.

tribdog
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I just got the newest Discover magazine and it has an article about about evolution and a computer program called Avida. Avida makes digital organisms that can make digital copies of itself. Mutations occur just like in DNA, and you can reward certain mutations by letting those organisms replicate a little bit faster. I guess it has really proved evolution beyond a shadow of a doubt. When scientists tried to evolve an organism that could carry out an "equals" routine they succeeded 50 times in 50 experiments. Without the rewards an equals command occurred 0 out of 50 tries.
When they tried to stop evolution by killing off any organisms that appeared to have evolved something beneficial the creepy stuff started happening. The organisms evolved the ability to know when they were being looked at and stop displaying their new ability until they were no longer being examined.
I'm in the process of downloading Avida right now and am about 91% done. I just hope I don't evolve something that eats RAM or thinks HTTP stands for Here's The Tasty Portions.
 
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Dont do it Trib! didn't you watch 'The Terminator' or 'The Matrix' movies. It's going to take over the world!




Cool, I'm going to look into this and see what happens as well! Thanx Trib! :biggrin:
 
I am so all over this man.

I could spend days toying with it. And i will :devil:

Behold i am god, with the power to control evolution! :biggrin:
 
You guys are scaring me. The future of the world in the hands of tribdog, polyb and franznietzsche?
 
Evo said:
You guys are scaring me. The future of the world in the hands of tribdog, polyb and franznietzsche?

MWWAAHAHAHAHAHA! :devil:

Now I can live out my supreme vision of 'The Lawnmower
Man'! :smile:
 
It only took 17821 computer cycles (don't ask, I don't know) for me to evolve something that recognizes the phrase "Tribdog is God"

up to 168999 trying to evolve something that believes it.

just kidding
 

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