The idea of an “intelligence explosion”, where artificial intelligence (AI) rapidly surpasses Human intelligence, might be mind-bending for many. Especially for those not deeply engaged with AI. But what if we could explore this concept through a different lens, one that doesn’t involve machines or digital systems at all? This approach could allow us to examine the intelligence explosion in a more approachable and relatable way, potentially making it accessible to a wider audience.
This thought experiment delves into a hypothetical “intelligence explosion”, but uses a biological species instead of a “digital intelligence”, offering a fresh perspective on intelligence advancement and its potential impacts. By examining how Humans could interact with and react to this species’ intelligence growth, we could gain valuable insights into the broader questions surrounding an intelligence explosion, even without directly addressing AI.
The Scenario
Suppose Humans shared the world with an equally intelligent species, let’s call them “Fluvins”.
Humans are their normal selves as we see them in the present day. Fluvins are considered generally as intelligent, but they are much smaller than Humans, say 1cm tall.
Humans and Fluvins are able to get along and share the resources of the planet. They coexist stably.
The Humans find that the Fluvins can reproduce. But, they don’t seem to age, at least on Human time scales. They will breed up to a certain population density and then stop at that level.
Then, one day, the Humans discover that the Fluvins have found a way to increase their brain’s intelligence and capabilities (at least) exponentially.
To simplify the discussion, let’s say the Humans also discover that they could slow or stop the Fluvins from increasing their intelligence by including some additives into their water supply.
Questions for Consideration
Would/should Humans take actions to try to stop the Fluvins from increasing their intelligence and capabilities?
Could the discovery benefit both groups, if cooperatively managed?
Does replacing current “digital intelligence” with a similar “biological intelligence” in this thought experiment provide useful parallels, or just distracting differences?
Alternates/Scenarios options
What if the Fluvins were able to speak English, post messages and chat online at a Human level? Would that change the calculus?
What if only select Fluvins have access to the intelligence advancement? How could that change their interactions between themselves and the Humans?
What if Fluvins offer to enhance Human intelligence as well, once they are capable, in exchange for resource sharing deals?
A thought experiment for comparing “biological” vs “digital” intelligence increase/explosion
Intro
The idea of an “intelligence explosion”, where artificial intelligence (AI) rapidly surpasses Human intelligence, might be mind-bending for many. Especially for those not deeply engaged with AI. But what if we could explore this concept through a different lens, one that doesn’t involve machines or digital systems at all? This approach could allow us to examine the intelligence explosion in a more approachable and relatable way, potentially making it accessible to a wider audience.
This thought experiment delves into a hypothetical “intelligence explosion”, but uses a biological species instead of a “digital intelligence”, offering a fresh perspective on intelligence advancement and its potential impacts. By examining how Humans could interact with and react to this species’ intelligence growth, we could gain valuable insights into the broader questions surrounding an intelligence explosion, even without directly addressing AI.
The Scenario
Suppose Humans shared the world with an equally intelligent species, let’s call them “Fluvins”.
Humans are their normal selves as we see them in the present day. Fluvins are considered generally as intelligent, but they are much smaller than Humans, say 1cm tall.
Humans and Fluvins are able to get along and share the resources of the planet. They coexist stably.
The Humans find that the Fluvins can reproduce. But, they don’t seem to age, at least on Human time scales. They will breed up to a certain population density and then stop at that level.
Then, one day, the Humans discover that the Fluvins have found a way to increase their brain’s intelligence and capabilities (at least) exponentially.
To simplify the discussion, let’s say the Humans also discover that they could slow or stop the Fluvins from increasing their intelligence by including some additives into their water supply.
Questions for Consideration
Would/should Humans take actions to try to stop the Fluvins from increasing their intelligence and capabilities?
Could the discovery benefit both groups, if cooperatively managed?
Does replacing current “digital intelligence” with a similar “biological intelligence” in this thought experiment provide useful parallels, or just distracting differences?
Alternates/Scenarios options
What if the Fluvins were able to speak English, post messages and chat online at a Human level? Would that change the calculus?
What if only select Fluvins have access to the intelligence advancement? How could that change their interactions between themselves and the Humans?
What if Fluvins offer to enhance Human intelligence as well, once they are capable, in exchange for resource sharing deals?