Technological singularity

From FutureNovo - Anticipating things to come

The Singularity is a hypothesised point in the future variously characterized by the technological creation of self-improving intelligence, unprecedentedly rapid technological progress, or some combination of the two. Due to the accelerating nature of technological advancement, it is suggested that there will come a point when artificial intelligence aqcuires the ability to be self-improving and will surpass human intelligence. The Singularity would follow some time afterward, creating significant upheaval throughout society and the natural world.

[edit] Background

The term "Singularity" was first coined by the science fiction writer Vernor Vinge to suggest that just as physics breaks down when trying to describe what happens on the other side of the event horizon of a black hole, it is impossible to seriously anticipate what the world will be like following the development of a super-intelligence.