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In general, a singularity is a point at which an equation, surface, etc., blows up or becomes degenerate. Singularities are often also called singular points.

by MaysonL 14y ago

In general, a singularity is a point at which an equation, surface, etc., blows up or becomes degenerate. Singularities are often also called singular points. To call Vinge a particularly bad science fiction author says more about your critical acumen than about him. (Perhaps you're thinking about his ex-wife?) (I read the "singularity is near" in the article title as ironic - almost parodic).

JohnHaugeland 14y ago
"In general, a singularity is a point at which an equation, surface, etc., blows up or becomes degenerate." Do you also participate in discussions of Microsoft Surface by explaining that in general, a surface is a flat exterior of a coherent object? . "To call Vinge a particularly bad science fiction author" Vinge didn't come up the singularity; Kurtzweil did. Kurtzweil did. I quite like Vernor Vinge's work. . "says more about your critical acumen" Acumen is the ability to make good numeric estimations on the spot, such as business decisions. Despite that I quite enjoy Vernor Vinge's work, I also feel it important to point out that merely should someone dislike an author you like would not, in fact, be a measurable sleight against their intelligence, any more than liking different pizza toppings would be. . "I read the "singularity is near" in the article title as ironic" That's interesting. If that's correct, then you have a point. (Also, bravo for being part of the one percent of the internet who knows what that word correctly means. I mean that in earnest.)
- Dn_Ab 14y ago
  Vinge did coin the term singularity. The term was coined by science fiction writer Vernor Vinge, who argues that artificial intelligence, human biological enhancement or brain-computer interfaces could be possible causes of the singularity. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Technological_singularity http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Technological_singularity
  - MaysonL 14y ago
    His essay is available at: http://www-rohan.sdsu.edu/faculty/vinge/misc/singularity.html http://www-rohan.sdsu.edu/faculty/vinge/misc/singularity.htm...

by MaysonL 14y ago

JohnHaugeland 14y ago

"In general, a singularity is a point at which an equation, surface, etc., blows up or becomes degenerate." Do you also participate in discussions of Microsoft Surface by explaining that in general, a surface is a flat exterior of a coherent object? . "To call Vinge a particularly bad science fiction author" Vinge didn't come up the singularity; Kurtzweil did. Kurtzweil did. I quite like Vernor Vinge's work. . "says more about your critical acumen" Acumen is the ability to make good numeric estimations on the spot, such as business decisions. Despite that I quite enjoy Vernor Vinge's work, I also feel it important to point out that merely should someone dislike an author you like would not, in fact, be a measurable sleight against their intelligence, any more than liking different pizza toppings would be. . "I read the "singularity is near" in the article title as ironic" That's interesting. If that's correct, then you have a point. (Also, bravo for being part of the one percent of the internet who knows what that word correctly means. I mean that in earnest.)

Dn_Ab 14y ago
Vinge did coin the term singularity. The term was coined by science fiction writer Vernor Vinge, who argues that artificial intelligence, human biological enhancement or brain-computer interfaces could be possible causes of the singularity. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Technological_singularity http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Technological_singularity
- MaysonL 14y ago
  His essay is available at: http://www-rohan.sdsu.edu/faculty/vinge/misc/singularity.html http://www-rohan.sdsu.edu/faculty/vinge/misc/singularity.htm...