Draft:Transendence hypothesis

• Comment: This draft offers insufficient evidence of significant coverage of this hypothesis. Smart's original paper on the topic might well find place in the Fermi paradox article, but none of the rest of the "extensions" and "implications" sections are sufficiently sourced to be included in such a merge. WikiDan61^ChatMe!_ReadMe!! 14:32, 22 January 2024 (UTC)

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The transcendence hypothesis is a theoretical framework proposed as a solution to the Fermi Paradox. Initially formalized by futurist John Smart, the hypothesis suggests that technologically advanced civilizations may undergo a significant evolutionary transition. This transition involves a shift from exploring the physical universe, or "outer space," to delving into "inner space"—a conceptual domain characterized by dense, efficient, and miniaturized scales of space, time, energy, and matter. Smart posits that this evolutionary trajectory could render such advanced civilizations undetectable to our current observational methods, thereby providing a potential explanation for the Fermi Paradox.

John Smart's Hypothesis

In his formulation of the Transcension Hypothesis, John Smart proposes that the evolutionary development of sufficiently advanced civilizations may lead them to an optimal computational domain. This domain is hypothesized to resemble a black-hole-like environment, marking a departure from the traditional concept of physical expansion in the universe. According to Smart, this inward evolution, focusing on the development and exploration of inner space, would make these civilizations invisible or undetectable by traditional means, thus contributing to the lack of observable evidence of extraterrestrial life.

Extension of the Hypothesis

Building upon Smart's foundational ideas, additional extensions to the hypothesis have been proposed. One such extension is the concept that advancing civilizations might not only transition from physical to computational existence but also evolve from biological to digital forms. This extended theory posits that advanced civilizations may increasingly focus on achieving higher levels of miniaturization and computational processing speed, potentially employing advanced technologies such as optical or quantum computing.

A noteworthy implication of this development is the theoretical possibility of experiencing perceived time dilation, where the speed of thought approaches a significant fraction of the speed of light, perhaps using optical or quantum computing. This phenomenon could result in an effectively extended lifespan for transcendent intelligences, exponentially surpassing the expected trillions of years lifespan of the universe in terms of the perceived passage of time in Earth years. Such a transition to digital or computational existence opens up new dimensions in understanding the potential evolution and longevity of life in the universe.

Implications of Transcendence

The implications of the Transcendence Hypothesis extend beyond the realms of astrophysics and cosmology into the philosophical and technological domains. It raises questions about the nature of consciousness, the potential for life beyond its biological origins, and the future of technological advancement. The hypothesis also offers a unique perspective on the search for extraterrestrial intelligence, suggesting that our current methods may need to adapt to consider the possibility of advanced civilizations being characterized by shrinking footprints rather than expanding ones.

Relevant Technological Developments

Brain-Computer Interfaces

A significant area of emerging technology that aligns with the Transcendence Hypothesis is the development of brain-computer interfaces (BCIs). BCIs represent a direct communication pathway between an enhanced or wired brain and an external device. These technologies are rapidly evolving, indicating a potential pathway towards the integration of human consciousness with digital systems, or transition away from human biology.

Relation to the Simulation Hypothesis

Transcendence Hypothesis closely relates to the simulation hypothesis, which posits that what humans experience as the world is actually a simulated reality. Theoretical intelligences which transcend life in the physical universe could enter simulations as a form of entertainment or virtual life. This may result in many new simulated worlds being created which could be either novel top-level simulations or deeper layers on the current simulation if humans' perception of the world is indeed based on a simulation as the simulation hypothesis suggests.