Yes, it may be that we are the first sentient species. I'm positive that life exists in many places in the Universe but sentience could be so rare that it has happened only once.

Since, based on what we presently know, the Universe will last for trillions of years we have plenty of time to develop AI to the point that it can spread across the Cosmos. Also, research and theory suggest that our Universe is only one of an incalculable number making up the Multiverse.

It would be the ultimate anthropomorphic statement to suggest that humans represent the origins of conscious intelligence. However, until evidence points in another direction it's an idea that stands with any other reasonable theory.

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Posted by Duke

Twin Lakes, CO

Member since Jan 2008

35691 posts

Posted on 7/9/15 at 12:42 pm to Kentucker

quote:
Also, research and theory suggest that our Universe is only one of an incalculable number making up the Multiverse.

Would you be willing to giving a little more background on the multiverse hypothesis? I have the quantum mechanics understanding of a C student in PChem 1.

This post was edited on 7/9/15 at 12:43 pm

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Posted by StrawsDrawnAtRandom

Member since Sep 2013

21146 posts

Posted on 7/9/15 at 1:19 pm to Kentucker

quote:
Yes, it may be that we are the first sentient species. I'm positive that life exists in many places in the Universe but sentience could be so rare that it has happened only once.

Since, based on what we presently know, the Universe will last for trillions of years we have plenty of time to develop AI to the point that it can spread across the Cosmos. Also, research and theory suggest that our Universe is only one of an incalculable number making up the Multiverse.

It would be the ultimate anthropomorphic statement to suggest that humans represent the origins of conscious intelligence. However, until evidence points in another direction it's an idea that stands with any other reasonable theory.

I think what may also be terrifying is when we start to try and transfer sentience to other beings. I have no doubt that one day, people will want their cat or dog to respond to them in a different way.

Imagine a universe with only self-sufficient, self-maintaining machines after all organic life has perished.

I wonder what'll happen when our sentient mechanical arm reaches the edge of the universe (should there be one) and tries to cross into other universes like a virus?

If we don't kill each other first.