Yale Bulletin and Calendar

April 30, 2004|Volume 32, Number 28

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'Superhuman intelligence' subject of bioethics talk

Vernor Vinge, professor emeritus in the Department of Mathematical and Computer Science at San Diego State University (SDSU), will speak to the Technology and Ethics working group on Wednesday, May 5.

Vinge will discuss "Between Now & Then: Wearables, Augmented Reality & the Coming Singularity" from 4:15 to 5:45 p.m. at the Institution for Social and Policy Studies, 77 Prospect St. A dinner and discussion period will follow from 5:45 to 7 p.m. The event is free and the public is invited to attend. For more information, contact Carol Pollard at (203) 432-6188 or e-mail carol.pollard@yale.edu.

A professor in the math and computer sciences department at SDSU from 1972 to 2000, Vinge's research interests include networks and distributed systems. In his lecture, he will discuss his theory that within 30 years, scientists will have the technological means to create superhuman intelligence -- an event that he refers to as "technological singularity."

Vinge is also a science fiction writer. His books "A Fire Upon the Deep," "A Deepness in the Sky" and "Fast Times at Fairmont High," received Hugo Awards for best novel or novella. His works have focused on the possibility and impact of future transcendental technological change.

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