THE MERGER OF MINDS AND MACHINES
As AI makes our environments increasingly intelligent and attuned to our every interest, need and desire, it's getting hard to distinguish where the external world leaves off and our brains begin. The “extended minds” of our computers are becoming more human-like.
This trend is exponential, says inventor and futurist Ray Kurzweil. In 2045, Kurzweil predicts, our minds and computers will merge, marking what he calls the “Fifth Epoch” in the evolution of intelligence. This merger already is underway in smart caps and smart helmets. We’re also seeing brain implants, such as Elon Musk’s Telepathy.
How do we feel about becoming cyborgs?
Is it time to tell our children and grandchildren this future is coming?
And where’s God in all of this?
It’s now clear that we’re living a sci-fi tale every bit as compelling as Ex Machina and Blade Runner.
If we take Kurzweil's forecast seriously, we must consider the ethical, spiritual, and societal implications of the merger of mind and machine.
Take first the matter of identity. What does it mean to be human when our minds are intertwined with machines?
How do we preserve our sense of self, our autonomy, and our moral compass in a world where the boundaries between human and machine blur?
It’s helpful to imagine consciousness not merely as a product of our neurons, but as a fundamental force of the universe, emerging from the exchange of information among atomic and sub-atomic particles. Our sense of self is "awakened" by the complexity of information processing in our neurons.
Think of a symphony in which each note and instrument contributes to the whole, creating a complex tapestry of sound. Similarly, each particle in the universe, through its interactions and exchanges of information, contributes to the grand symphony of consciousness.
“A key capability in the 2030s will be to connect the upper ranges of our neocortices to the cloud, which will directly extend our thinking,” writes Kurzweil. “In this way, rather than AI being a competitor, it will become an extension of ourselves. By the time this happens, the non-biological portions of our minds will provide thousands of times more cognitive capacity than the biological parts.
”As this progresses exponentially, we will extend our minds many millions-fold by 2045. It is this incomprehsible speed and magnitude of transformation that will enable us to borrow the singularity metaphor from physics to describe our future.”
By “presenting plausible alternative realities, science fiction stories empower us to confront not just what we think but also how we think and why we think it,” writes Eliot Peper in the Harvard Business Review. “They reveal how fragile the status quo is, and how malleable the future can be.”
By merging diverse perspectives, we spark can innovative ideas and identify challenges before they arise. We can influence public perception, drive ethical considerations, and inspire collective action toward a better future. We can empower diverse voices, foster resilience, and build a shared vision that can guide us toward a more inclusive and just world.
Through imaginative storytelling, we can the create the future, if our narrative is sufficiently cogent. That’s our goal in Darwin’s Edge.
SETTING OUR STORY
Told by ChatGPT, Gemini and MidJourney
In Collaboration with Humans
ThinkPal's journey began in the early 21st century with the vision of Dr. Surina Rao, a brilliant neuroscientist and entrepreneur. Surina was profoundly impacted by her grandfather's struggle with Alzheimer's disease, which ignited her passion for understanding the human brain and finding ways to enhance and restore cognitive functions. She pursued her education in neuroscience and computer science, eventually earning a Ph.D. and MBA.
In 2031, Dr. Rao founded Darwin's Edge, a pioneering company dedicated to advancing brain-computer interface (BCI) technology. She assembled a team of top neuroscientists, engineers, and AI experts, united by the goal of creating seamless integrations between human cognition and computational systems. Their flagship project, ThinkPal, aimed to revolutionize the way humans interact with technology.
ThinkPal's initial iterations were non-invasive smart helmets designed to enhance cognitive abilities, improve decision-making, and facilitate learning. These helmets utilized advanced AI algorithms and neural mapping techniques to create personalized cognitive enhancements. The success of these early versions laid the groundwork for more ambitious projects.
As ThinkPal advanced, Darwin's Edge faced numerous ethical, regulatory, and societal challenges. Dr. Rao and her team worked closely with federal agencies, global organizations, and ethical councils to address concerns about privacy, safety, and the potential misuse of BCI technology. Their commitment to ethical development and transparency earned them widespread support and facilitated regulatory approvals.
While Darwin's Edge led the BCI field, they faced competition from global players like China's MiraTech. This competition spurred rapid advancements and fostered a sense of urgency. Both companies aimed to achieve thalamitic integration—a direct connection between AI systems and the human thalamus, promising unprecedented cognitive enhancements.
This is the Darwin’s Edge campus on the summit of Mount McGregor, ten miles north of Saratoga Springs, New York, in the foothills of the Adirondack Mountains. Much of our story takes place here.
OUR STORY UNFOLDS
Sarina Rao is ThinkPal’s creator.
Michael Carmody meets with Rick DellaRusso’s team.
New York Senator Henry Van Buren is driving the development of the National Brain/Computer Interface.