Nick Bostrom

Nick Bostrom is a world-renowned philosopher and researcher at the University of Oxford. He is best known for his work in the fields of artificial intelligence, transhumanism, and the future of humanity. His groundbreaking book, "Superintelligence: Paths, Dangers, Strategies," has been widely acclaimed and has made him one of the leading theorists in the field of "the singularity," or the moment when superhuman artificial intelligence takes over from us humans.

Nick was born in Sweden in 1973 and earned his PhD in computational neuroscience from the London School of Economics and Political Science in 2000. After working for organizations such as the London-based Future of Humanity Institute and the Oxford-based Future of Humanity Institute, he eventually earned the title of the first holder of the first professorship in the history of philosophy at the University of Oxford in 2009.

Bostrom has published several works on topics related to the potential risks associated with the development of artificial intelligences, such as accidentally causing extinction of the human race. He has also explored the potential risks of artificial general intelligence, or AGI - better known as self-aware machines. Bostrom suggests that the development of such AI could possibly result in either a utopia or a dystopia depending on how it's designed, and he even argues that a machine that desires "the well-being of mankind" is potentially possible.

Besides just the AI-related works, Bostrom has also delved into some of the more philosophical aspects of transhumanism. For example, he's argued for a slew of ethics and morality surrounding the possible use of cognitive artificial enhancement, either through technology or through genetic modification, as well as its implications for humanity. Nick's work extends beyond the philosophical to more sophisticated research, such as co-editing the Scientific Perspectives on the Transhumanist Agenda - a comprehensive collection of research from leading figures in transhumanism.

His most famous work to date is the acclaimed "Superintelligence: Paths, Dangers, Strategies," which explains how artificial intelligence systems could overtake humanity in terms of cognitive abilities and presents potential strategies to prevent this. Bostrom puts forth a case for why we need to consider the potential risks of artificial general intelligence (AGI) and how these risks could potentially be avoided or minimized through proper regulation and responsible government policy. This book is seen as one of the keystones of transhumanism and has become one of the most important works in AI-related studies.

Nick Bostrom is among the leading champions of transhumanism, advocating for its ethical and responsible use. Although some of his theories have proved controversial in the past, Nick's works have been incredibly influential in the field of artificial intelligence and the future of humanity.