Martine Rothblatt (JD/MBA ’81) returned to UCLA for a special reading of her newly published book “Virtually Human: The promise—and the Peril—of Digital Immortality.”
In her book, Rothblatt explores technology that might sound like science fiction: a world where cyberconsciousness, a simulation of the human brain via software and computer technology, becomes a part of our daily lives. More so than we might, at present, be ready for.
For instance, take a “Mindclone.” Bina48 is a nascent version of this technology that Rothblatt and her wife, Bina, are pioneering. This Mindclone that is, yes, derived from Bina, can partake in conversation, answer questions and even have spontaneous thoughts. The data for these responses are pulled from a “Mindfile,” or a digital database of thoughts, memories, feelings and opinions that are essentially a back-up copy of your mind, created by the real-life Bina.
Rothblatt asserts that the technology already exists and anyone who is active on Twitter or Facebook, posts photos to Instagram or does blogging is already on their way to creating a Mindfile. Rothblatt claims that the data can be made conscious with special software, or “Mindware,” that mimics the way a human brain organizes information, creates emotions and achieves self-awareness.
Rothblatt discussed the usefulness of Mindclones and how they will coexist with humans in the future. She attested that the utility of this type of artificial intelligence would eventually become commonplace, outpacing the fear of its weirdness. Rothblatt encouraged the audience to continue to think outside current possibilities and break thought barriers. “What seems to be a boundary is actually a border for us to transcend,” she said.
Also, don't miss a great profile of Rothblatt and her remarkable life and career at New York magazine.
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