These replicators would transform all matter on earth into copies of themselves
A replicator doesn’t need the capacity to devour literally all matter (with all the chemical diversity that implies), in order to be a threat. Suppose there was a replicator that just needs CO2 and H2O. Those molecules are abundant in the atmosphere and the ocean. There would be no need for onboard AI.
And it could be made via some modifications of E.Coli or other simple bacteria, like adding ability to fix nitrogen. It almost happened already during Azolla event.
Is it fair to say that this is similar to Richard Kennaway’s point? If so, see my response to their comment.
I agree with you and Richard that nanotechnology still presents a catastrophic risk, but I don’t believe nanotechnology presents an existential risk independent of AI (which I could have stated more clearly!).
Imagine an airborne “mold” that grows on every surface, and uses up all the atmospheric CO2. You’d need to be hermetically sealed away to escape it, and then the planet would freeze around you anyway.
A replicator doesn’t need the capacity to devour literally all matter (with all the chemical diversity that implies), in order to be a threat. Suppose there was a replicator that just needs CO2 and H2O. Those molecules are abundant in the atmosphere and the ocean. There would be no need for onboard AI.
And it could be made via some modifications of E.Coli or other simple bacteria, like adding ability to fix nitrogen. It almost happened already during Azolla event.
Is it fair to say that this is similar to Richard Kennaway’s point? If so, see my response to their comment.
I agree with you and Richard that nanotechnology still presents a catastrophic risk, but I don’t believe nanotechnology presents an existential risk independent of AI (which I could have stated more clearly!).
Imagine an airborne “mold” that grows on every surface, and uses up all the atmospheric CO2. You’d need to be hermetically sealed away to escape it, and then the planet would freeze around you anyway.