Singularity

I'm talking about a technological singularity not the black-hole singularity of astronomy. The technological singularity is defined as the moment when technological change becomes so rapid and profound, it represents a rupture in the fabric of human history. Is Raymond Kurzweil (Time,, Feb., 2011) correct in predicting that computer intelligence will surpass that of humans, thus ending the age of human dominion as we know it!

The curve of computer power vs.time has gone from a linear to an exponential acceleration. Kursweil predicts that by 2045 the exponential increase in computer power along with reduction in costs to produce that power will create an intelligence approximately a billion times that of the sum of all human intelligence. In just 35 years!

I still have trouble wrapping my brain around this. Computers will dominate the human race. Would that mean the end of war and greed, lust and violence? Would humans be completely subservient to a superior intelligence?

And yet, the artificial intelligence doesn't have a soul, the seat of passion and love and evil unless these factors are scanned into an artificial consciousness by an altruistic or evil human. Without passions, selfishness or other evils, without altruism, would artificial intelligence  remain a benign entity with the potential to be used for good or evil?

There is science predicting the extension of human life for indefinite periods. In these instances, those who have the means to take advantage of such a technology will exercise control over the world. Longevity will only be a means to an end, world domination through the use of artificial intelligence.

The human race watches TV, shops at the supermarket, drives cars, eats, drinks and engages in all sorts of mundane affairs completely unawares that the burgeoning technology will affect them in an unheard of and profound way. After writing this I will become enmeshed with the cares and chores of the day and forget about this, at least temporarily. The pace of life is so frenetic and intense that I cannot help but to do so.