The technological singularity refers to a hypothetical scenario in which technological advances virtually explode. The most popular scenario is the creation of super-intelligent algorithms that recursively create ever higher intelligences. It took many decades for these ideas to spread from science fiction to popular science magazines and finally to attract the attention of serious philosophers. David Chalmers' (JCS 2010) article is the first comprehensive philosophical analysis of the singularity in a respected philosophy journal. The motivation of my article is to (...) augment Chalmers' and to discuss some issues not addressed by him, in particular what it could mean for intelligence to explode. In this course, I will (have to) provide a more careful treatment of what intelligence actually is, separate speed from intelligence explosion, compare what super-intelligent participants and classical human observers might experience and do, discuss immediate implications for the diversity and value of life, consider possible bounds on intelligence, and contemplate intelligences right at the singularity. (shrink)

A probable solution of the Fermi paradox; and a necessary step in humanity’s cosmic development; is the construction of a Bracewell-Von Neumann Artificial General Intelligence. The use of BN probes is the most plausible method of initial galactic exploration and communication for advanced ET civilizations; and our own cosmic evolution lies firmly in the utilization of; and cooperation with; AGI agents. To establish these claims; I explore the most credible developmental path from carbon-based life forms to planetary civilizations and AI (...) creation. I consider the likely physical characteristics of extraterrestrial AI probes and propose ways to predict their behavior. Lastly; I ponder the possible trajectories for humanity’s cosmic future. (shrink)