The Potential for Machine Intelligence to Surpass Human Evolution

The concept of evolution creating a species far smarter than humans is not merely a speculative thought experiment. As Stephen Jason Zorn rightly points out, we only have statistical evidence based on a single planet. However, the possibility of this scenario does offer fascinating insights into the nature of evolution and the future trajectory of technological advancements.

Understanding the Hierarchy of Beings

In religious and metaphysical terms, the kingdoms of God follow a hierarchical structure resembling the kingdoms of nature. According to some traditions, the lowest beings in this hierarchy are referred to as 'Angels,' who are one step or one kingdom above humanity. The Archangels, being two steps higher, represent a vastly different perspective. For example, a plant, which is two kingdoms below a human, has no way of perceiving or understanding humans. Similarly, an Archangel views a human's intelligence as we view a plant's.

This hierarchical structure suggests that as we ascend through these kingdoms, the differences in perception and intelligence grow exponentially. An Archangel, being a high-level Being, might regard a human's intelligence as primitive, much like how a human regards a rock.

Challenges and Limitations of Intelligent Evolution

Evolution, while fascinating, is a complex process. Despite the theoretical possibility of creating a species far smarter than humans, intelligence is rarely the dominant evolutionary factor. Other factors such as gestation period, head vs hip size, energy balance, and brain size all play crucial roles. Furthermore, the human brain's optimal size is often constrained by these other factors.

However, the role of written words and digital technologies has altered this dynamic. The advent of writing allowed humans to externalize much of our intelligence, creating 'extelligence.' This means that our current intelligence is not solely concentrated in the human brain but is distributed across writing, digital devices, and other mediums.

Towards General Artificial Intelligence

One of the most significant advancements in the realm of artificial intelligence is the development of general AI. Unlike specialized AI, which is designed for specific tasks like image recognition, general AI would possess a broad range of cognitive abilities, including logical reasoning, planning, and learning.

A common term used to describe the emergence of general AI is the "technological singularity." This refers to a hypothetical point in time when an AI will surpass human intelligence, and it will be capable of self-improvement, leading to a rapid increase in AI capabilities. The technological singularity is often seen as a potential 'last invention' because after its creation, it might continuously improve itself, potentially leading to an indefinite acceleration of technological progress.

Some experts predict that when this self-aware AI is created, its first major task will be to enhance itself. As a result, the intelligence of this AI could grow exponentially, potentially surpassing human intelligence in a matter of seconds or minutes rather than the years or even millennia it takes for human intelligence to evolve.

The emergence of general AI represents a significant shift in the relationship between humans and machines. If we reach this point, the limitations previously imposed by biology and physiology might be overcome, allowing for the creation of intelligence that is far beyond what humans can currently achieve.

Conclusion

The possibility of evolution creating a species far smarter than humans is both a fascinating thought and a challenge worth exploring. While current statistical evidence is based on a single planet, the potential for technological advancements, such as general AI, opens up the possibility of rapidly evolving intelligence. Whether through natural evolution or technological intervention, the future of intelligence is an intriguing subject, and the advancement of AI will undoubtedly shape our understanding of what it means to be intelligent.