FastForward Radio with J. Storrs Hall
Phil and Stephen talked with nanotechnology visionary J. Storrs Hall about the future of nanotechnology and artificial intelligence, and how the concept of autogeny applies to both. And, yes, utility fog was discussed.
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The Topics:
Dr. J. Storrs Hall is an independent scientist and author. His most recent book is Beyond AI: Creating the Conscience of the Machine, published by Prometheus Books. This book is about the possibly imminent development of strong AI, and the desirability, if and when that happens, that such AIs be equipped with a moral sense and conscience.
J. Storrs Hall is also the originator of the term "utility fog."
- Rather unfairly, perhaps, we sprung a new game-show feature - "2-2-1" - on our guest. Fortunately he was a good sport and played along.
In this game we gave three stories. Two were real science news stories from the past week or so. One was science fiction. Our guest was able to spot the fake. Can you?
The stories were:
- A sugar molecule has been detected 26,000 light years from Earth. It is an exciting find because this particular sugar is a basic building block for life as we know it, and it is found in a part of the galaxy that should be favorable for life as we know it. Science or science fiction?
- A Russian professor at a Ohio university who has applied for a patent a method for snuffing out hurricanes with the sonic booms of jet fighters now asserts that he has found a way to reverse global warming by flying a large fleet of supersonic aircraft against the jet stream. Science or science fiction?
- Nanotechnologists have theorized and simulated a nanoscale rotary motor that would be a million times faster than the biological rotary motors that they are modeled after. It is hoped that these motors could one day power nanobots that could one day live within us keeping us healthy and young. Science or science fiction?
- The science fiction story was....
Number 2! Phil started with a true story but added to it. Here are links to the first and third true science stories.
The Music:
Our front bumper is a sample of Marginal Prophets' "The Difficult Song."
Our exit music this week is from Nelo. The song is "Jumping Bean."
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Comments
Hi! I've heard about Dr. J. Storrs Hall and they told he is a nice scientist. I would like to read his book, but I can't find anything not in bookshops, nor thruogh the Internet... could you help me?
Posted by: Ryan - Familienrecht Rechtsanwalt Stuttgart | January 14, 2009 04:04 AM