Shooting From The Hip - 27 - Artificial Intelligence, Synthetic Intelligence, Trans-humanism

Artificial Intelligence -the study of computer science & robust datasets for problem-solving: includes sub-fields of machine learning & deep learning
Artificial intelligence is a simulated intelligence, simulating human intelligence
Natural Language Processing (NLP) -one of the hottest areas of artificial intelligence (AI) b/c of applications like text generators -compose coherent essays, chatbots that fool people into thinking they’re sentient
a revolution recently in computers capable of understand human languages, programming languages & even biological & chemical sequences, such as DNA & protein structures, that resemble language- unlocking these areas to analyze the meanings of input & generate meaningful, expressive output

Computer science study of computers & computational systems field includes everything from algorithms that make up software- how software interacts with hardware to how well software is developed & designed

Machine Learning -use & development of computer systems that are able to learn & adapt without explicit instructions
Deep Learning - type machine learning based on artificial neural networks

Synthetic intelligence -a process of programming a computer to make decisions for itself. This can be done through a number of methods, including but not limited to: rule-based systems, decision trees, genetic algorithms, artificial neural networks & fuzzy logic systems.
Genuine non-human intelligence is synthetic intelligence

Synthetic means that which is produced by synthesis, combining parts to form a whole

Synthetic biology (SynBio) -a multidisciplinary field of science focusing on living systems & organisms & applies engineering principles to develop new biological parts, devices & systems or to redesign existing systems found in nature
-encompasses a wide range of methodologies from various disciplines: biotechnology, biomaterials, material science/engineering, genetic engineering, molecular biology, molecular engineering, systems biology, membrane science, biophysics, chemical & biological engineering, electrical & computer engineering, control engineering & evolutionary biology

Synthetic Biological Intelligence: -comprises human neurons (from the synthetic alteration of embryonic stem cells) grown in-vitro on thousands of electrodes

The Not Good Of Synthetic Biology: Organisms made using synthetic biology & released into the environment could have unknown, unintended & potentially irreversible effects on ecosystems

Posthumanism: -idea is the rejection of biological, ethical & ontological anthropocentrism. (Anthropocentrism: Ancient Greek 'human being' & 'center') is the belief that human beings are the central or most important entity in the universe -used interchangeably with humanocentrism, some refer to the concept as human supremacy or human exceptionalism

Ontological (ontological relating to the branch of metaphysics dealing with the nature of being) anthropocentrism -assumes human-centeredness & the privileged position of human beings -claims a superior position of human beings & perceives them as the pinnacle of creation -this view has often been criticized

Transhumanism: focuses on changing & improving natural human characteristics through biological, technological & cognitive modifications - a belief or theory that the human race can evolve beyond its current physical & mental limitations, by means of science & technology
-is a philosophical & scientific movement that advocates the use of current & emerging technologies - such as genetic engineering, cryonics, artificial intelligence (AI) & nanotechnology - to augment human capabilities & improve the human condition
a being that resembles a human in most respects but who has powers & abilities beyond those of standard humans
-transhumanism powers & abilities: anti-ageing & immortality, improved intelligence, awareness, strength, or durability, heightened senses, faster reaction times, enhanced well-being
there are anywhere from 10,000 to 2 million transhumanists in the world
-biologist Julian Huxley is generally regarded as the founder of transhumanism

Dangers of transhumanism: possible consequence feared by some that transhumanism will lead to the division of humanity into 2 distinct types of being, human & posthuman human may be incapable of breeding with the posthuman & will be seen as having a much lower moral & social standing

Transhumanist Bill of Rights: focuses on protecting the rights of: Human beings; genetically modified humans beings; cyborgs; digital intelligences; intellectually enhanced, previously non-sapient animals; any species of plant or animal which has been enhanced to possess the capacity for intelligent thought & other advanced sapient life forms.

Eugenics (Ancient Greek: 'good, well' & genes 'come into being, growing') is a set of beliefs & practices that aim to improve the genetic quality of a human population