http://mnfuturist2011.pbworks.com/w/page/49336758/Past%20Meetings%20Jan%20-%20Jun%202012
Minnesota Futurists 2012 Home Page
Current Meeting & Topic Schedule
Regular Meetings are Saturdays from 9:30-11:30 AM Directions
Knights of Columbus Building - Meeting Room, 1114 American Blvd West, Bloomington, MN
Feb 18, 2012
Topic: Technology Futures SIG
Title: Using the Futures Wheel to Forecast the Singularity
Presenters: Brian Toren and George Kubik
Abstract: This SIG is a participatory research SIG. The subject is the Singularity: the merging of human and machine. The question is when and how will we get there? The SIG will start with a recap of the definition of a singularity and a rundown on where we are today, using a modified process of the futures wheel forecasting tool. Rather than using the wheel to determine impacts of an event, we are going to use the wheel backwards to identify the events required to get to get to the end product. The present state of technology will establish the outer rim of our futures wheel. The hub of the futures wheel is the singularity itself. The activity is to postulate the research, breakthroughs, sequence and timing of events required to achieve the goal of a singularity. These will be recorded on a flip chart arrange d in the sequence of events required get there, proceeding from the rim to the hub.
What is the Singularity/
Technological Singularity - Wikipedia
The Coming Technological Singularity Vernon Vinge
Singularity Institute
Singularity University
Futures wheel example
Feb. 25, 2012
Topic: Society, Management, Education Futures SIG
Title: The Future of Societies - Implications of Genetic Enhancements for Intelligence
Presenter: Eric Hand
Preliminary Abstract: Steve Hsu, University of Oregon, presented Genetics and Intelligence on Aug. 18, 2011. "Hsu is involved in a study which seeks to find links between genes and high IQ. The study is looking for individuals with IQs that test higher than 3 standard deviations above the mean, in a clear effort to cut to the chase. Hsu's talk is well worth watching for anyone interested in the genetics of cognitive ability. As high tech infrastructures grow more sophisticated and crucial to advanced societies' successes, their high IQ smart fractions take on an ever greater importance." Comments from Alfin http://alfin2100.blogspot.com/2011/08/google-tech-talk-steve-hsu-genetic.html
We will watch some or all of the talk and then discuss possible futures. Link to Video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=62jZENi1ed8 (66 min). Link to Slides from Steve Hsu http://duende.uoregon.edu/~hsu/talks/ggoogle.pdf
Mar 3, 2012
Topic: Futures Tools
Title: Singularity Futures Wheel
Presenter: George Kubic, Brian Toren, Hank Lederer
Abstract:
This SIG is a continuation of the Singularity SIG of 17 February. It consists of two parts. First, an introduction to and examples of the Futures Wheel tool. Second, We will use the Futures Wheel in the analysis of Singularity futures. This will actually be using the Wheel in reverse to ascertain how we get to the singularity. Then a brain storming session with attendees using the tool to determine what advance and breakthroughs in technology are required to get there. If time permits, we will use the wheel in its attended form to investigate the impact of the singularity on the future of humans and society,
Brain Facts and Figures/facts.html
--------------------------
Topics Pending for 2012
Future schedule work in progress
Roundtable: Tech Breakthrough Forecasts for 2015-2020
See topics awaiting dates above.
Jump to Past Meetings Page
Return to Minnesota Futurists Home Page
Visitors since 10/3/09:
Comments (0)
You don't have permission to comment on this page.