the technological singularity

This is pretty heavy going, but it makes for some great thinking material.

I came across this podcast:

http://www.itconversations.com/shows/detail374.html

it's about accelerating technological change, and what will happen when real AI finally gets built. The mp3 goes for about an hour, but it's worth a listen.

It ties in with transhumanism and exposes the concept of the "technological singularity", or the point at which technological progress accelerates beyond our ability to comprehend it. Certain thinkers are putting this point as early as 2030. Have a read of this for some more background:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Technological_singularity