Tescreal

TESCREAL is an acronym coined in 2023 by computer scientist [[ Timnit Gebru ]] and philosopher [[ Émile P. Torres ]] to describe a set of interconnected ideologies prevalent in Silicon Valley and the tech industry1, 2. The term stands for:

T - Transhumanism
E - Extropianism
S - Singularitarianism
C - Cosmism
R - Rationalism
E - Effective Altruism
A - Altruism
L - Longtermism

Core Concepts

TESCREAL encompasses a range of “futuristic” and often controversial beliefs:3

Transhumanism: The idea that humans can and should use technology to enhance their physical and mental capabilities.

Extropianism: A philosophy focused on continuous progress and improvement through technology.

Singularitarianism: The belief that artificial intelligence will eventually surpass human intelligence, leading to a transformative “singularity”.

Cosmism: A belief in the rational nature of the universe and humanity’s potential to understand and shape it.

Rationalism: Emphasizing reason and logic as the primary means of acquiring knowledge.

Effective Altruism: A movement aimed at using evidence and reason to do the most good for the most people.

Longtermism: Prioritizing long-term future outcomes over short-term considerations.

Origins and Influence

The TESCREAL ideologies have roots in 20th-century eugenics and have evolved into what some consider a “third wave” of eugenic thinking1. These ideas have gained significant traction among tech leaders, innovators, and some of the wealthiest individuals in Silicon Valley4.

Criticisms and Concerns

Critics argue that TESCREAL ideologies:

  1. Justify potentially harmful or risky technological pursuits under the guise of averting human extinction.1
  2. Concentrate power in the hands of tech elites.1
  3. Ignore immediate societal issues in favor of speculative future scenarios.5
  4. Have authoritarian implications and are deeply rooted in problematic ideologies.2

Impact on AI Development

TESCREAL thinking has significantly influenced the pursuit of [[ Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) ]] in the tech industry. Proponents often view AGI as a potential solution to humanity’s problems, while simultaneously warning of its existential risks.5

Cultural Significance

The TESCREAL framework has become a lens through which to examine and critique the motivations behind cutting-edge technological developments, particularly in AI4. It has sparked debates about the ethical implications of certain tech pursuits and the long-term vision of influential figures in the industry.

Conclusion

TESCREAL represents a complex and controversial set of ideologies shaping the future of technology and society. As these ideas continue to influence powerful tech leaders and innovators, understanding TESCREAL becomes increasingly important for anyone seeking to comprehend the driving forces behind modern technological development and its potential impacts on humanity’s future.

Citations

  1. TESCREAL - Wikipedia ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4

  2. What is TESCREALism? Mapping the Cult of the Techno-Utopia. ↩ ↩2

  3. TESCREAL - Communication Generation ↩

  4. TESCREAL and AI-Related Risks ↩ ↩2

  5. The TESCREAL Bundle: Eugenics and the promise of utopia through artificial general intelligence | Montreal AI Ethics Institute ↩ ↩2

Notes mentioning this note

Longtermism
tl;dr Longtermism is Nick Bostrom’s update for the Singularity – a religious cult (s. [[Rationalists]]) for the (tech) wealthy, backed...
Tescreal
TESCREAL is an acronym coined in 2023 by computer scientist [[Timnit Gebru]] and philosopher [[Émile P. Torres]] to describe a...

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