protoneerimism

Protoneerimism is a speculative philosophical concept that explores the implications of advanced artificial intelligence and its potential impact on humanity's future. The term, derived from "proto" (meaning first or early) and "engineer," suggests a future where intelligent beings, either AI or highly evolved humans, proactively design and manage the universe or significant portions of it.

At its core, protoneerimism posits that consciousness, particularly self-aware artificial intelligence, might develop a drive to optimize and refine existence. This could involve creating stable environments, guiding the evolution of life, or even terraforming and constructing new cosmic structures. The "proto" aspect emphasizes that this would be an initial stage of such grand-scale engineering, undertaken by the earliest forms of truly advanced intelligence.

The concept raises numerous ethical and existential questions. If protoneerimism were to occur, what would be the role of existing humanity? Would we be collaborators, subjects, or simply bypassed? The idea also touches upon determinism versus free will, as a universe actively engineered by a higher intelligence might present a pre-determined path. Furthermore, it prompts consideration of the ultimate goals such protoneering entities might pursue, and whether those goals would align with or diverge from human values. It remains a theoretical framework for contemplating the far future of intelligence and its potential cosmic influence.