Thoughts on the Future pt. 2 I frequently encounter thoughts from people about the future that follow a classical dystopian futuristic narrative. Although creating these narratives may serve an important function, they do not adequately explain our likely future trajectory. Throughout the 21st century, we need to start to rethink how our species evolves, and … Continue reading Thoughts on the Future pt. 2
Tag: future
The Importance of Evolutionary Anthropology
The Importance of Evolutionary Anthropology As an evolutionary anthropologist, I am constantly confronted with the public perception that anthropology has no practical utility. Throughout America and Canada, there is a disturbingly negative perception of anthropological inquiry. This is why Governor Rick Scott was confident to proclaim that anthropology was not a vital interest to the … Continue reading The Importance of Evolutionary Anthropology
The Substrate of Mind
The Substrate of Mind The likelihood of a transition to a planet dominated by non-biological intelligence is essentially dependent on one large philosophical assumption: that the substrate of intelligence and consciousness is unimportant. Although I contend that this is currently an unanswerable question, the answer may define our future. Full Article: The Substrate of Mind … Continue reading The Substrate of Mind
Thoughts on the Future pt. 1
Thoughts on the Future pt. 1 This is my first post in an ongoing series about the future. In this entry, I discuss a few ideas including: exponential modeling, meta-system transitions, and the likely future of our species standard of living. Full Article: Thoughts on the Future pt. 1 on The Advanced Apes
The Human Neocortex
The Human Neocortex In How To Create A Mind by Ray Kurzweil, the importance of the human neocortex is explored. What is important about the human neocortex? How did it evolve in our species? The answer to these questions can shed light on one of the most important evolutionary developments in the history of life on Earth. … Continue reading The Human Neocortex
Economic Evolution
Economic Evolution Big history can help us understand many aspects of humanity. When we analyze trends from a big historical perspective, we can better extrapolate the changes that we should expect in the future. Nowhere is this more evident than with the research of economist Robin Hanson. Hanson (1994; 1998; 2008a; 2008b) has conducted groundbreaking … Continue reading Economic Evolution
Building A Heart
At the moment I am currently organizing the top science discoveries and achievements of 2012 for my site The Advanced Apes. While researching discoveries in health and technology, I couldn't help but marvel in the advancements in stem cell application (Academic Article). While doing this research I was able to put these developments in the context … Continue reading Building A Heart
A Two-Planet Species
A Two-Planet Species Two private companies have plans to colonize Mars this century: Mars-One and SpaceX. The colonization of Mars would be an important achievement for our species, and it is a necessary next step for our long-term safety. How realistic are these company’s plans? Will both be successful? What would this accomplishment mean for … Continue reading A Two-Planet Species
Singularity Failure
Singularity Failure I recently read an article by computer scientist Vernor Vinge titled “What If the Singularity Does NOT Happen.” I have become so accustomed to thinking about our future in the context of a technological singularity that a future without one seems strange. What would it mean for our species in the long-term? Full … Continue reading Singularity Failure
A Positive Spin on Global Warming
A Positive Spin on Global Warming Global Warming is a serious environmental problem. However, if we had left fossil fuels in the ground we would encounter an Ice Age 1,500 years from now that would make North America and Eurasia uninhabitable. Although, Global Warming poses many 21st century challenges, and we need to stop burning … Continue reading A Positive Spin on Global Warming