The “March of Progress”: From Cosmic Singularity to Digital Singularity

Abstract

In 1964, Nikolai Kardashev proposed the Kardashev scale, a system for measuring the extent of technological advancement of a civilization based on the magnitude of energy consumption. According to Carl Sagan, the American astrophysicist, we are approaching an inevitable type-1 Kardashev civilized existence. An artificial superintelligence superior to that of humans can concur with a higher-hierarchy Kardashev civilization. Futuristic technological innovations mandate an acceleration in artificial intelligence and superintelligence. This scenario can be pessimistic, as digital superintelligence can render human-based activities obsolete. However, integrating artificial intelligence with humans, via brain-computer interface technologies, can be protective. Nonetheless, legislation in connection with information technologies is essential to regulate upcoming digital knowledge and superintelligence.

Keywords: Artificial general intelligence, consciousness, human-level machine intelligence, Kardashev scale, superintelligence, technological singularity

Cite this Article Ahmed Al-Imam, Marek M. Motyka, Ashok Sahai, Vijay K. Konuri. The “March of Progress”: From Cosmic Singularity to Digital Singularity. Current Trends in Information Technology. 2020; 10(1): 1–8p.