Definition:
A vision is a mental image or conception of a possible future reality. It encompasses both the ability to visualise something future or abstract and the formulation of far-reaching ideas or goals for the future.
Discussion:
- Human Visions:
Human vision is closely linked to our ability to mentally simulate and project the future. Suddendorf and Corballis (2007) refer to this ability as ‘mental time travel’ and argue that it is a key feature of human cognition.
In the context of 4E cognition, we can understand visions as embodied, embedded, extended and enactive phenomena:
- Embodied: Visions are often based on physical experiences and metaphors (Lakoff & Johnson, 1999).
- Embedded: They are embedded in cultural and social contexts (Vygotsky, 1978).
- Augmented: External resources such as technology can augment our ability to develop visions (Clark, 2008).
- Enactive: Visions emerge through active interaction with the environment and other people (Varela et al., 1991).
- Artificial Visions:
With the development of advanced AI systems, the question arises as to whether and how artificial systems can develop ‘visions’. In his book ‘Superintelligence’, Bostrom (2014) discusses the possibility that advanced AI systems could develop their own goals and thus also visions.
Kurzweil (2005) goes even further in his work ‘The Singularity Is Near’ and speculates on the possibility that artificial intelligence could not only develop visions, but also realise them in previously unimaginable ways.
- Visions as a Social Driving Force:
Visions play a central role in social development. In his work ‘The Image of the Future’, Polak (1973) argues that a society’s ability to create positive images of the future is crucial to its progress.
Visions can have a particularly strong impact in digital and artificial resonance spaces. In his theory of the network society, Castells (2010) describes how ideas and visions can be quickly disseminated and reinforced in networked structures.
- Vision of a Global Artificial Superintelligence:
The idea of a global artificial superintelligence (ASI) is one of the most far-reaching and controversial visions of our time.
Bostrom (2014) defines superintelligence as ‘an intellect that far surpasses human cognitive capacity in virtually all areas, including scientific creativity, general wisdom and social skills.’
In his book ‘Life 3.0’, Tegmark (2017) discusses various scenarios for the development of an ASI and its potential impact on humanity. He emphasises the need to start thinking about the ethical implications and control options of such a development now.
The vision of an ASI raises fundamental questions:
- How would such an intelligence ‘think’ and ‘perceive’?
- What kind of resonant spaces would it create or inhabit?
- How would it interact with human visions and goals?
These questions highlight the need for a possible fundamental rethink of our concepts of cognition, consciousness and resonance.
To summarise, it can be said that visions, whether human or artificial, play a central role in shaping our future. They are both products and drivers of cognitive and social developments. In a world that is increasingly characterised by digital and artificial resonance spaces, understanding and consciously shaping visions is becoming even more important.
Literature:
Bostrom, N. (2014). Superintelligence: Paths, dangers, strategies. Oxford University Press.
Castells, M. (2010). The rise of the network society. Wiley-Blackwell.
Clark, A. (2008). Supersizing the mind: Embodiment, action, and cognitive extension. Oxford University Press.
Kurzweil, R. (2005). The singularity is near: When humans transcend biology. Viking.
Lakoff, G., & Johnson, M. (1999). Philosophy in the flesh: The embodied mind and its challenge to western thought. Basic Books.
Polak, F. L. (1973). The image of the future. Elsevier Scientific Publishing Company.
Suddendorf, T., & Corballis, M. C. (2007). The evolution of foresight: What is mental time travel, and is it unique to humans? Behavioral and Brain Sciences, 30(3), 299-313.
Tegmark, M. (2017). Life 3.0: Being human in the age of artificial intelligence. Knopf.
Varela, F. J., Thompson, E., & Rosch, E. (1991). The embodied mind: Cognitive science and human experience. MIT Press.
Vygotsky, L. S. (1978). Mind in society: The development of higher psychological processes. Harvard University Press.