BookPeople Presents: J. Craig Wheeler - The Path to Singularity

Please welcome J. Craig Wheeler and Jay Boisseau to celebrate The Path to Singularity: How Technology Will Challenge the Future of Humanity!

This event is free and open to the public.

• Start time: 7:00 P.M.
• Run time: 45-60 minutes, followed by a signing line.
• Location: The second floor of BookPeople.

The author will be signing and personalizing copies of the book after the speaking portion of the event.

• To get a book signed, a copy of the event book or an item of equal value must be purchased from BookPeople.

Guidelines:

• Seating will be on a first-come, first-served basis.

• If you have any other questions, please visit our Eventbrite FAQ. If your question isn't covered in the FAQ, feel free to email us at [email protected].
• All event guidelines are subject to change.
• BookPeople reserves the right to cancel or postpone this event if necessary.
• There will not be a live stream or recording available.

About the book:

In a rapidly changing world, are we on the brink of creating technology that outpaces our ability to control it?

Astrophysicist J. Craig Wheeler, former president of the American Astronomical Society, takes a critical look at the technological advances shaping our future. From artificial intelligence to genetic engineering, Wheeler explores how these innovations are interconnected and the potential they hold for humanity's evolution. He warns of a future where autonomous machines outsmart us and genetic modifications challenge our very essence. With thought-provoking insights into the ethical dilemmas we face, Wheeler stresses the importance of staying informed and proactive.

Key Questions Raised by Wheeler:

• Will there be jobs for those willing to work in a future dominated by automation?
• How might social media companies manipulate our decisions, potentially stripping us of free will?
• Could AI influence or even dictate our voting behaviors?
• If widespread mental connectivity becomes a reality, could we see the emergence of a collective consciousness that erases individuality?
• Have we exhausted Earth's resources, and is population control necessary?
• What implications arise if we solve aging? How will society adapt to the challenges of perpetual youth?
• What are the realistic prospects of migrating to space as Earth becomes increasingly inhospitable?

Our decisions today will determine if we control technology or if it controls us. Through an engaging narrative, Wheeler not only outlines the challenges but also offers practical advice on how we can retain control over our technological destiny.

Includes a Foreword by Neil DeGrasse Tyson.

About the author:

John Craig Wheeler is an American astronomer. He is the Samuel T. and Fern Yanagisawa Regents Professor of Astronomy Emeritus at the University of Texas at Austin. He is known for his research on supernovae. He is a past president of the American Astronomical Society, a Fellow of that society, and a Fellow of the American Physical Society.

About the moderator:

Jay Boisseau is an experienced, recognized leader and strategist in advanced computing technologies, with over 25 years in academia and industry. He is CEO and co-founder (June 2014) of Vizias, a team of professionals with expertise in high-performance computing (HPC), artificial intelligence (AI), technology community building, and technology outreach & event planning. Jay is the executive director and founder (2007) of The Austin Forum on Technology & Society, which is now the leading monthly technology outreach and engagement event in Austin that attracts national and international attendees online. The Austin Forum is one of the pillars of the Austin tech scene, providing connections to information, ideas, collaborations, and community overall.

By purchasing a book from BookPeople, you are not only supporting a local, independent business – you’re showing publishers that they should continue sending authors to BookPeople.

Thank you for supporting J. Craig Wheeler, Jay Boisseau, and your local independent bookstore!

Host or Publisher BookPeople