A New Kind of Evolution


A New Kind of Evolution

A new kind of evolution

Hi, I'm Tim Tyler - and this is a teaser/trailer for A New Kind of Evolution.

A new kind of evolution is now taking place on the planet.

Darwin's theory described a primitive type of evolutionary process - where mutations were performed at random.

Now, engineers can perform deliberate modifications based on intelligent design, drawing on the resources of all living systems, and the knowledge of all recorded history.

Instead of recombination involving the choice of a single mate, many ideas from different sources all over the planet can be juxtaposed and combined in a single generation.

Partial evaluations can be performed and, evaluations can be performed under simulation - and not just using brain-based simulators, but proper simulations that actually work reasonably well.

The differences from nucleic evolution are so great that some commentators have claimed that cultural evolution shouldn't be classified as evolution at all. However, that is not possible without a redefinition of the term: evolution involves changes in the inherited traits of a population. There is no specification that inheritance must be be via nucleic acids.

Cultural evolution has enormously magnified the rate of evolutionary change on the planet. In a century, skyscrapers have appeared out of nowhere, machines have probed the other planets, and the planet has started to glow at night.

Today, we can see evolutionary change taking place in real time, within an an individual's lifespan. The changes we have witnessed so far represent civilization's birth trauma - and hopefully, much lies ahead of us.

The launch phase of evolution

What we are witnessing is a new kind of evolution, based on engineering design. It is evolution by intelligent agents - as opposed to the old kind - evolution via a drunkard's walk.

The stuff you read about in evolution textbooks is out-of-date material which covers an era which is over.

That was just the launch phase of evolution. It got living systems off the ground, and successfully reached the altitude where engineers were formed.

Now the booster rockets can be discarded - and the main engines can be turned on. Please fasten your seat belts.

References

  1. Tim Tyler - The Engineered Future;
  2. Tim Tyler - One Big Organism;
  3. Tim Tyler - Memetic Takeover;


Tim Tyler | Contact | http://alife.co.uk/