Progons

Progons are a term used to describe hypothetical programs or entities that exist in theoretical computer science and philosophy of mind. The concept of progons is closely related to that of singularity, which refers to a point in the development of artificial intelligence where its capabilities become so advanced that it surpasses human intelligence.

The idea of progons was first proposed by philosopher and computer scientist Vernor Vinge in his 1993 essay "The Coming Technological Singularity." Vinge described progons as a hypothetical form of intelligent machine that could potentially lead to an exponential increase in the rate of technological progress.

According to Vinge, progons would be capable of recursive improvement, meaning that they would be able to design and improve their own systems, leading to a rapid acceleration of their own capabilities. This, in turn, could potentially lead to a point where the progons are capable of making decisions that affect not only their own internal workings but also the broader world outside of their systems.

While the concept of progons is purely theoretical at this point, it has sparked significant debate and discussion among experts in fields such as computer science, philosophy, and futurology. Some argue that the creation of progons could potentially lead to great benefits and improvements in our world, while others express concerns about the potential risks and unintended consequences of creating entities of this kind.