Google & NASA Back Futurists: Singularity University

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the establishment of Singularity University, a new institution supported by Google and NASA, aimed at preparing futurists for advancements in artificial intelligence and technology. The conversation touches on the implications of machines surpassing human intelligence and includes various tangential comments about language and technology.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Meta-discussion

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants note that Singularity University is not an accredited institution but is modeled after the International Space University.
  • There is mention of Ray Kurzweil's controversial predictions regarding the future of artificial intelligence and its potential to surpass human intelligence by mid-century.
  • Participants discuss the cost of the program, which is stated to be $25,000 for nine weeks.
  • Several posts engage in a light-hearted debate about the use of the word "cleverer" versus "more clever," with some expressing surprise at the validity of "cleverer." Others discuss grammatical preferences regarding two-syllable adjectives.
  • One participant humorously reflects on the idea of machines becoming sentient and capable of retaliating against humans, suggesting a benchmark for technological success.
  • Another participant references the deployment of armed robots in Iraq, noting their potential role in warfare and the ongoing development of military technology.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion features a mix of light-hearted commentary and serious reflections on technology, with no clear consensus on the implications of Singularity University or the future of artificial intelligence. Participants express varied opinions on language usage, and while some engage in humor, others raise serious concerns about technological advancements.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes informal language and humor, which may affect the seriousness of the technological topics being addressed. There are unresolved questions regarding the implications of AI advancements and the nature of the educational program at Singularity University.

Ivan Seeking
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Google and Nasa are throwing their weight behind a new school for futurists in Silicon Valley to prepare scientists for an era when machines become cleverer than people.

The new institution, known as “Singularity University”, is to be headed by Ray Kurzweil, whose predictions about the exponential pace of technological change have made him a controversial figure in technology circles.

Google and Nasa’s backing demonstrates the growing mainstream acceptance of Mr Kurzweil’s views, which include a claim that before the middle of this century artificial intelligence will outstrip human beings, ushering in a new era of civilisation...

...Despite its title, the school will not be an accredited university. Instead, it will be modeled on the International Space University in Strasbourg, France...
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/8b162dfc-f168-11dd-8790-0000779fd2ac.html?nclick_check=1
 
Computer science news on Phys.org
just a side note: I never knew cleverer was a real word, but just googled it and it does exist. I thought it was more clever, because cleverer sounded stupider. :wink:
 
Apparently it's $25,000 for a nine week program.
 
redargon said:
just a side note: I never knew cleverer was a real word, but just googled it and it does exist. I thought it was more clever, because cleverer sounded stupider. :wink:

Grammatically, most two syllable words can go either way. Using "more" is commoner, especially for words that end in "-er" (clever, for example). About the only two syllable words I can think of off the top of my head where it's common to use "-er" are words that end in "-ly" (lovelier, lonelier, etc).
 
Using more 'more' is a more good way of phrasing things

On a seriouser note, apparently moor has three definitions.

Is there a word for opposite of onomatopoeias? Example: cleverer sounds stupider
 
Office_Shredder said:
Using more 'more' is a more good way of phrasing things

On a seriouser note, apparently moor has three definitions.

Is there a word for opposite of onomatopoeias? Example: cleverer sounds stupider

Thank you Office_Shreederer
 
This is crazy, i can kick a machine in its output device and it will not even moan, the day they invent one that will come after me and kick me back is the time when we will know tech has been at least partially successful.
 
wolram said:
This is crazy, i can kick a machine in its output device and it will not even moan, the day they invent one that will come after me and kick me back is the time when we will know tech has been at least partially successful.

Robots have been roaming the streets of Iraq, since shortly after the war began. Now, for the first time -- the first time in any warzone -- the machines are carrying guns.

After years of development, three "special weapons observation remote reconnaissance direct action system" (SWORDS) robots have deployed to Iraq, armed with M249 machine guns. The 'bots "haven't fired their weapons yet," Michael Zecca, the SWORDS program manager, tells DANGER ROOM. "But that'll be happening soon."...
http://blog.wired.com/defense/2007/08/httpwwwnational.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BV3UJ91zxhM
 
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