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Australian philosopher, literary critic, legal scholar, and professional writer. Based in Newcastle, NSW. My latest books are THE TYRANNY OF OPINION: CONFORMITY AND THE FUTURE OF LIBERALISM (2019) and AT THE DAWN OF A GREAT TRANSITION: THE QUESTION OF RADICAL ENHANCEMENT (2021).

Thursday, January 13, 2011

Dvorsky on Kurzweil - IEET countdown # 21

This discussion of Kurzweil and the postulated technological Singularity is worth reading even if, like me, you're a bit sceptical about the whole thing.

George Dvorsky makes the important point that the concept of the Singularity predates the relevant writings of Ray Kurzweil, should not be confused with Kurzweil's particular views, and does not stand or fall with them. Dvorsky provides an accessible summary of the other important thinkers who have contributed to the concept and its development over time.

Whether you're a sceptic or a true believer, and however you want to argue the toss when the subject of the Singularity arises in conversation - as it does, right? - you'll be much better informed on the subject if you read Dvorsky.

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