Artificial Evolution with David Wood

Unveiling Artificial Evolution

In this comprehensive episode, presented by none other than David R. Wood, the realm of evolution plunges deeper, exploring the intriguing concept of artificial evolution. Pioneering insight drawn from the very origins of philosophical musings, the discourse embarks on a journey unmasking the theory of artificial evolution, extending far beyond Charles Darwin's paradigm of natural evolution.The greatest minds of the yesteryears, from Parmenides to Aristotle, hinted at a second distinctive pattern of evolution—artificial evolution. The lecture probes into the evolution of species, particularly homo sapiens, shedding light on how the evolutionary capabilities of consciousness and imagination seeded a progressive drive towards artificial adaptations. These adaptations, ranging from basic uses of fire and spears to complex systems of governance and the cultural revolution, served as the catalyst for this artificial evolutionary trajectory within us.Delving into the intricacies of artificial evolution, the discussion brings to focus the contributions of James Mark Baldwin and A.E. Iben, among other influential scientists. Amidst an era where technological innovation is rapidly transforming our capabilities, the concept of artificial evolution grows increasingly relevant. With the proliferation of artificial intelligence, robotic evolution, and advanced technological innovations, we are poised on an unprecedented evolutionary path. A nod to David's latest publication, 'On the Origin of Artificial Species', the discourse concludes that our understanding of evolution is finally complete with the advent of artificial evolution theory. This new pattern of evolution, which sprang from the same evolutionary conditions as natural evolution, has augmented our species' ability to adapt and innovate. For any ardent follower of science and philosophical musing, this intimate exploration of the second pattern of evolution presents an enriching intellectual feast.

Machine Ethics - An Evolutionary Concept

Machine Ethics is about ensuring acceptable behaviors of AI agents. It is distinct from other historical ethical concepts. Machine ethics once been science fiction as expressed by Isaac Asimov. But now in many ways Machine Ethics is eerily similar to I, Robot’s “Three Laws”.
The truth is that the concept of “ethics” has been misunderstood from its inception. The foundational book for the field of Ethics, Aristotle’s Nichomachean Ethics, has been mistranslated. Ironically, today's concept of Machine Ethics is much closer to Aristotle’s original thinking.
The Greek philosophers discovered two distinct patterns of evolution – the processes of natural and artificial evolution. Aristotle’s concept was really describing a concept in the process of artificial evolution – artificial instincts.
The emerging field of AI Safety needs to be reframed in evolutionary terms. The new concept of Machine Ethics is really a modern expression of an existing Darwinian concept. Join us on the Artificial Evolution podcast to learn what AI Safety and Machine Ethics truly are in the context of Earth's evolutionary history. For the planet earth - evolution is the only game in town.