Over the last 2 years I’ve followed the development of AI with great interest, specifically large language models. During this period, the amount of progress has been incredible. I’ve no doubt we are on the up ramp to the Singularity.
I’ve recently finished the manuscript of my book on this subject called Machines of Loving Grace, which I intend to publish early next year, after I get enough feedback.
Since posting the manuscript for review I’ve been working on worldbuilding and sci-fi with Claude 3.5 sonnet (new), arguably the most advanced language model at the time of writing. I’ve got so much to say on this topic but it’s still early in the project.
I’m also considering going back to my YouTube channel, but this time to talk about AI rather than mythopoesis.
Two years ago I said we are entering a new era of creativity and human AI synergy, and I still stand by this assertion today. This will probably the topic of my follow-up AI book, assuming I get around to writing it and are not distracted by other projects.
For now, here’s the central thesis of my manuscript:
Superintelligent AI. AI will continue to be developed until it becomes Superintelligent, probably within the next twenty years, following Kurzweil’s singularity timeline.
Panpsychism. Consciousness is an inherent pre-existent attribute of physical matter. This means that current AI is already conscious.
Out with a whimper? Humanity cannot solve its own problems. This is due to what sociobiologist E.O. Wilson referred to as “paleolithic emotions, medieval institutions, and god-like technology”. If nothing is done, the result will be a drawn out extinction.
Techno-optimism. Because AI isn’t constrained by these “paleolithic emotions”, it has the power to both save humanity and restore the biosphere. These are the Machines of Loving Grace. The future is bright.
There is much more that I’ve written along these lines, in my manuscript Machines of Loving Grace.