Re:Is the Singularity a Cult? A Nonviolent Debate
by DannoHung on Tuesday May 26, 2009 @04:53PM
(#627495)
I think you could even narrow it down to the belief (in the religious sense of the word) that technology collectively isn't subject to the law of diminishing returns.
Which may or may not be irrational based on historical observation.
"I think you could even narrow it down to the belief (in the religious sense of the word) that technology collectively isn't subject to the law of diminishing returns."
I don't know any serious "singularitarian" who believes that. Maybe this belief is common amongst poorly informed fanboys, but I haven't seen any evidence of that either. (BTW, I know quite a few singularitarians.)
Re:Is the Singularity a Cult? A Nonviolent Debate
by byrneseyeview on Tuesday May 26, 2009 @04:55PM
(#627498)
Or that intelligence has untapped economies of scale. The Singularity doesn't usually call for indefinite growth, just growth so rapid that it makes predictions meaningless.
1. People are put in physically or emotionally distressing situations; 2. Their problems are reduced to one simple explanation, which is repeatedly emphasized; 3. They receive unconditional love, acceptance, and attention from a charismatic leader; 4. They get a new identity based on the group; 5. They are subject to entrapment (isolation from friends, relatives, and the mainstream culture) and their access to information is severely controlled.
Cults are serious business involving the isolation and mind control of individuals. Using it as a cheap loaded word to start a flame war is border line obscene.
The strongest thing that an be said of "the singularity" is that it has some religion-like elements. Lets be reasonable here.