What are the Right Questions?
Are we asking the wrong questions about Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Singularity? To me, AI falls into the category of culture and technology that shields humans from natural selection. Humans are no longer subjected to the harsh elements that required the traits that are now specific to the genus Homo:
Cognitive & Psychological Traits
Abstract Thought: Ability to conceptualize the future, understand the inevitability of death, and contemplate the intangible (meaning, purpose).
Advanced Storytelling: Chronicling experiences, documenting the human condition, and transmitting this knowledge across generations.
Self-Awareness: Possession of advanced objective intelligence and deep social empathy that extends to self-reflection.
Cultural & Behavioral Traits
Complex Symbolic Language: A sophisticated lexicon, made possible by a descended larynx and hyoid bone, allowing us to communicate abstract, fictional, and hypothetical concepts.
Cumulative Culture: Building upon knowledge across generations without needing to rediscover it, powered by technology, art, and complex societal structures.
Hyper-Cooperation: While other animals cooperate, humans possess an innate drive to selflessly help others, participate in trade, and form highly organized social networks.
Physical & Physiological Traits
Bipedal Locomotion: Walking fully upright as our primary mode of movement, which frees the hands for tool making and carrying objects.
Exceptional Stamina: Specialized adaptations for long-distance endurance, combined with efficient cooling systems through heavy sweating.
Extended Development: A much longer period of childhood dependency compared to other primates, facilitating deeper brain plasticity and the development of highly complex cultural and cognitive skills.
AI is one of many technologies that creates a sheltering effect from external threats. So, if technology and culture are keeping Homo sapiens from experiencing natural selection, how will humans evolve in the future? Will physical traits remain consistent while consciousness continues to evolve? Are there steps that we can take collectively to accelerate the pace of the evolution of consciousness? Are there consequences to having so many humans trapped in a prolonged, dark, regressive consciousness that may lead to reverse evolution or stagnation over time?
Why chart the planetary roads? It all comes back to the evolution of the species.
