Sci-Fi/Fantasy - Singularity - Discussion

***Scythe*** · 08-18-2008, 03:27 AM

I'm doing research on Technological Singularity at the moment - where computers/machines become more intelligent and are able to think for/develop themselves.

I'm trying to come up with a list of movies and tv shows (episodes more specifically) that deal with this theme. So far I have come up with:

iRobot - V.I.K.I
Stargate - Replicators, Nanites
Terminator Series
The Matrix Series

Does anyone know of any more? I've heard that Battlestar Galactica also deals with Singularity, but I'm not very familiar with the show. Does anyone watch it? If so, can they think of something from it which relates to Technological Singularity?

Do you believe that Machines have the ability to develop this far? Or do you think that machines are only as smart as their creators? I'm finding it a very interesting topic so far.

dukesmom · 08-18-2008, 04:00 PM

Yes, Battlestar Galactica deals with Technological Singularity. The Cylons are definitely more intelligent than they were originally designed and can think/develop themselves. Even have a religion.

Does Data from Star Trek: The Next Generation count? What about the episode in which small robots exhibit intelligence beyond their programming and Data fights to have them recognized as sentient beings.

**Cryostar** · 08-18-2008, 08:28 PM

It depends on how far you want to go.

You can look at VIRUS, or Wargames as well. Short Circuit is another one, but it's rather off beat.

=-Kathy-> · 08-19-2008, 06:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dukesmom (View Post)

Yes, Battlestar Galactica deals with Technological Singularity. The Cylons are definitely more intelligent than they were originally designed and can think/develop themselves. Even have a religion.

Some of the cylons say that they believe that all cylons are nothing more than programmed machines. While other cylons believe in one God, as opposed to the colonials (humans) who are polytheistic. The spiritual cylons have consciences. Leoben even strives for his soul to reach God.

dukesmom · 08-21-2008, 10:53 AM

How about H.A.L. in 2001: A Space Odyssey?

***Scythe*** · 08-21-2008, 12:18 PM

Quote:

Yes, Battlestar Galactica deals with Technological Singularity. The Cylons are definitely more intelligent than they were originally designed and can think/develop themselves. Even have a religion.

Does Data from Star Trek: The Next Generation count? What about the episode in which small robots exhibit intelligence beyond their programming and Data fights to have them recognized as sentient beings.

Quote:

Some of the cylons say that they believe that all cylons are nothing more than programmed machines. While other cylons believe in one God, as opposed to the colonials (humans) who are polytheistic. The spiritual cylons have consciences. Leoben even strives for his soul to reach God.

Thanks guys, I'm going to see if I can look into those in a bit more depth.

Quote:

How about H.A.L. in 2001: A Space Odyssey?

I haven't seen that, could you elaborate a bit further?

I found a lot of information about nanobots/nanotechnology - I like researching that because there's a lot about it in Stargate

and 'grey goo' sounds kinda scary.

Quote:

Grey goo is a hypothetical end-of-the-world scenario involving molecular nanotechnology in which out-of-control self-replicating robots consume all matter on Earth while building more of themselves—a scenario known as ecophagy (eating the environment).

Sounds like the Replicators really though.

**Cryostar** · 08-22-2008, 05:27 AM

Gasp! You haven't seen 2001? Oh my......ok, stop everything you're doing, run down to the local video store, pick it up and watch it. It deals a great deal with Singularity.

dukesmom · 08-23-2008, 03:02 PM

Personally, I though 2001 was boring.

H.A.L. was the computer on the space ship and it went crazy and killed people. Or at least, I think that's what happened. Like I said, I was bored.

=-Kathy-> · 08-24-2008, 08:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dukesmom (View Post)

Personally, I though 2001 was boring.

H.A.L. was the computer on the space ship and it went crazy and killed people. Or at least, I think that's what happened. Like I said, I was bored.

I agree, very slow moving and boring... but realistic. If you were on the sterile moon station or space ship it would be very boring in real life.

I feel the same way about the BtVS episode 'The Body' -- very boring. Everything happens in real time, no music, no action, no jokes. Many people site that episode as one of the best. It might have been very realistic but for me it was boring.

**Cryostar** · 08-25-2008, 05:22 AM

I don't even remember that episode.....off to go look it up.

As for HAL, that's somewhat correct. HAL is given contradictory orders, and is intelligent enough to decide for himself....his decision, however, is to complete the mission alone.

***Scythe*** · 08-30-2008, 04:50 AM

That's funny, i found something different (but related) that H.A.L stands for - Hybrid Assistive Limb

Also, I watched the Stargate SG-1 episode 'Urgo' the other day and it shows a really god example of singularity!

AlexEvans · 08-31-2008, 06:39 PM

I found "The Body" excruciatingly boring, and also depressing.

2001 is almost as boring, but at least it has some impressive scenery.

Anyway good topic. I'll have to think to come up with more TV/movies, but a number of books deal with the topic. Pretty much everything Vernon Vinge writes deals with the topic of the Singularity.

***Scythe*** · 01-09-2009, 05:08 AM

I forgot to say - thank you everyone! You guys all helped me pass my final exam at University and graduate!

Though I did end up pretty much writing an essay about 'Singularity' in Stargate SG-1

**Cryostar** · 01-09-2009, 05:23 AM

Whoop! What'd you graduate with a degree in?

***Scythe*** · 01-09-2009, 06:04 AM

I got a BA in Digital Media

it's my graduation on the 30th