Monthly Chat Topics Used

Monthly Chat Topics that were already done. Suggestions that were used to generate a topic are attached in case they inspire a slightly different topic that would generate fruitful discussion.

November 2003

Networking

The average SL4 chatter, or >Hist for that matter, is in constant communication with other people. Often we meet through e-mail or chat, but why aren't we taking advantage of other communication channels that are equally cheap, such as phone service?

October 2003

Nanotechnology

A lot of money is invested in nanotechnology. Many people are hard at work, developing this great technology. If it is developed before the Singularity, what might the effects be?

Inspiring Suggestions

Michael Anissimov on IRC:

what is nanotech comes first?

September 2003

Ethical Issues in Advanced Artificial Intelligence

We will be discussing Nick Bostrom's latest paper. It's a Singularitarian or at least Singularity-aware survey of AI ethics. We'll also be discussing the potential effects of Bostrom and other `academics' recognizing the need to discuss these issues in more traditional forums.

August 2003

Public perception of AI

Suppose that in the near future the scientific community adopts the opinion that AGI is possible. Furthermore, several well respected scientists say that it will happen in our lifetimes. How will the lay public react? Consider how the popular news media will report the news and how this will shape public opinion. Also, what can we Singularity-aware people do now and in the future to ensure the most accurate reporting possible?

Inspiring Suggestions

Taken from IRC: (edited)

How will the media and public knowledge of the inevitability of AI affect the public's perception of it? -- TyronePow

I wonder if AI will be something people see coming per se, or something just eased into. --TyronePow

Before a Hard Takeoff, will there'll be any sort of dramatic public attention to impending AI, or if the technology leading to it will be taken as it comes -- TyronePow