John Carlos Baez

To a mathematician, the funniest line in this article is this:

"Getting to the singularity, though, will require a significant leap from the current point of AI development."

Kind of like

"To reach infinity we'll need significantly larger numbers."

https://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/a45780855/when-will-the-singularity-happen/

A Scientist Says the Singularity Will Happen by 2031

That’s... uncomfortably close.

Popular Mechanics
Nov 10, 2023 at 8:46amWeb
Show threadDebbie Goldsmith 🏳️‍⚧️♾️🇺🇦Nov 10, 2023
@johncarlosbaez
Show threadGreg EganNov 10, 2023
@johncarlosbaez I’ve long intended to make April 1, 2042 International Humour A Transhumanist Day, when all the sane people conspire to pretend for a couple of hours that the Singularity has arrived. But I might not live that long, so maybe I should reschedule it to 2031.
Show threadallriteNov 10, 2023
@gregeganSF @johncarlosbaez I think there is a non-zero chance the density of bullshit around AI could lead it to collapse into a singularity.
Show threadJohn Carlos BaezNov 10, 2023
@gregeganSF - it's near!
Show threadjakob.pxiNov 10, 2023
@johncarlosbaez the fact that underwear gnomes have an equally robust theory of economics as proponents of AI-singularity is rarely appreciated in mainstream science communication.
Show threadIvan SukinNov 10, 2023
@johncarlosbaez Dear Lord, I always knew that linear algebra is evil
Show threadRichie EnamellerNov 10, 2023
@johncarlosbaez @JamesGleick it’s always a red flag when it’s only one “scientist”.
Show threadJames GleickNov 10, 2023
@johncarlosbaez I remember @GreatDismal answering a question about “the singularity” by calling it the geek rapture. Still true.
Show threadCitizenZNov 10, 2023
@johncarlosbaez I dont know if this singularity stuff had any real basis in reality, but i do know if someone like Elon manages to hold ownership of an AI that reaches that point, we are all fucked.