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Is a technological singularity likely?
A technological singularity is a super-human intelligence made possible by technological advances. Several technologies are potentially heading in this direction, the most notable being artificial intelligence, but also others such as computer-brain interfaces and genetic engineering. Such an intelligence could in turn create an even greater intelligence, leading to an explosive, unpredictable, but undoubtably radical change to society.
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JGWeissman
on 06 Mar 2010
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Benja
on 27 Feb 2010
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Could a computer ever be conscious?
Consciousness, or our awareness of ourselves and the world around us, is central to our existence. Fascinatingly, it is also notoriously difficult to define. Is it unique to humans or other living creatures, or could robots one day have it to?
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JGWeissman
on 06 Mar 2010
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Benja
on 25 Feb 2010
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Packbat
on 09 Jan 2010
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Steve
on 20 Dec 2009
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Is the unconscious philosophical zombie possible?
The philosophical zombie is a hypothetical person whose behavior is indistinguishable from an ordinary person, but who lacks conscious experience. The zombie might say "the strawberry is red" but they would not experience the qualia of red, that is, the sensation of red. Some philosophers allege that the theoretical possibility of such a zombie undermines physicalism.
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JGWeissman
on 06 Mar 2010
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Benja
on 06 Jan 2010
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Is "good" art purely subjective?
Art is a form of expression that is purely creative with the purpose of stimulating our imagination rather than being obviously useful to us. Art is often used synonymously with visual art, but the term also applies more generally to other mediums, such as music, literature, and dance. Anyone who is passionate about art feels that there is good art and bad art, but is that feeling objectively justifiable in any way?
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gcha
on 01 Dec 2009
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Is information-theoretic death the most real interpretation of death?
Information-theoretic death is defined as the moment when the neural structures in your brain are destroyed. At that point, it becomes theoretically impossible to bring a person back to life. Some philosophers and scientists regard this as a more real interpretation of death than legal death.
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JGWeissman
on 06 Mar 2010
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Benja
on 08 Feb 2010
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Is optimism rational?
Optimism is an attitude where a person believes things will generally turn out well, often with the assumption that the mindset is self-fulfilling. In contrast, realists (often viewed by optimists as pessimists) tend to believe that the optimists' wishful thinking leads to broken expectations and bad consequences.
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Lisa
on 01 Feb 2010
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Benja
on 25 Jan 2010
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