h+ Magazine

An interview with Timothy Taylor in a recent issue of New Scientist highlights how, contrary to Darwin’s theory, human evolution is more complex than simply “survival of the fittest.”  In fact, many of contemporary humanity’s physical features are “weaker” than the earlier model due to the technologies used by our ancestor hominins (australopithecines) and early Homo sapiens.  Examples of accumulated biological deficits include soft nails, hairless bodies and weak jaws.  It is also now clear that the use of primitive tools to create slings (to carry young infants) may have been a key facilitator allowing for our big brains, as development could continue outside the space-restricting womb.

Currently a professor at Xiamen Universty, where he teaches theoretical physics and computer science, Hugo de Garis is legendary in AI and futurist circles.  He’s been working on neural networks and “artificial brains” since the 1990s.  de Garis is also an advocate of Femtotechnology — the notion that we could operate technologically at a level a million times smaller than nanotech.  In 2005, de Garis published a controversial book called Artilect Wars that predicted an upcoming “gigadeath” war between Terrans (those who want to remain human) and “Cosmists” (those who want to unite with AIs and become posthuman and post-terrestrial).  

Film Review

A Hole in the Head, Spectacle Films

I have to make a confession.  I have a soft posterior fontanelle.  When I press on that spot, my head indents noticeably — enough that you can actually see it.  Furthermore, I frequently feel a sort of need to do this.  And when I do it, it seems to help me feel less sleepyheaded and more focussed.  If I'm feeling a bit woozy, it helps me feel less so.  And, indeed, sometimes I feel as though I'd like to drill right into it — as though there is some sort of psychic G spot hungering to be stimulated and satisfied.  Naturally, I've been intrigued by trepanning — the practice of intentionally drilling small holes in the skull.  

Courts have a special power over us to compel testimony and force us to hand over evidence.  Through various methods, ranging from warrants and subpoenae to the "discovery" of civil cases, the court can demand evidence about you that is against your interests, and they can seize it by force if necessary.  In many cases, it would not be possible to convict or prevail without this power.

At the same time, we are wary of this power.  People have a presumption of innocence, and these actions are a major invasion if done against the innocent.  Most free nations don't force people to testify against themselves or their immediate family, but all will allow your possessions to be used as evidence against you.