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<sup>1</sup>: See e.g. K. E. Drexler, Engines of Creation: The Coming Era of Nanotechnology, London, Forth
Estate, 1985; N. Bostrom, “How Long Before Superintelligence?” International Journal of Futures
Studies, vol. 2, (1998); R. Kurzw…The amount of computing power needed to emulate a human mind can likewise be roughly estimated. One estimate, based on how computationally expensive it is to replicate the functionality of a piece of nervous tissue that we have already unde…
Hans Moravec
scientist · 3 mentions across 2 readings
In this course
Hans Moravec is a roboticist and futurist whose work on computational estimates of human brain capacity informs debates about mind emulation and artificial superintelligence central to the course's engagement with technological singularity theory. The readings draw on his calculations regarding the computing power required to replicate neural functionality, a cornerstone argument in transhumanist and AI-futures discourse where simulating human cognition becomes technically conceivable rather than metaphysical impossibility. His framework enables contemporary thinkers to operationalize consciousness as a computable substrate, bridging cybernetics, AI development, and speculative futures.
Mentioned in 2 readings
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