I often ask myself why I bother to write. It takes up ridiculous amounts of spare time that I should probably use for exercise or learning better social behavior. Right now, it’s taking up my lunch break. Generally speaking, my tiny audience is limited to friends and family—and a few others who are mostly friends of friends and family. Many of them are better writers than I. Others, I suspect, are supportive more out of politeness than genuine interest.

I have several answers to that question. I recently added another to the list as I listened to a book by Nick Bostrom. His book “Superintelligence” explores the considerations associated with developing intelligence greater than humans. Horrifically boring to many, but I found it fascinating.

Yes, I recognize how geeky that is, and yes, I’m okay with it. I do have to be careful, though. My kids sometimes make fun of me for using phrases like “structural integrity” in front of their friends or at church.

Among the more difficult problems related to the development of a superintelligence is the code of ethics that will rule its decision-making processes. One of the possible approaches is a sort of ethics map. The map initially begins with an arrangement many beliefs. The map is most effective if many beliefs are included—no matter how obscure, odd, or offensive. Over time—as opinions are compared and objective evidence is considered—weight is added to certain beliefs and removed from others.

This concept reminded me of an exercise in a satellite controls class—yes, it was a very long time ago. We compared the theoretical accuracy of different satellite attitude determination systems. It turned out that adding more sensors improved the overall accuracy, even if the individual sensor wasn’t remarkably accurate. We also found that moderate dissenting inputs—the one sensor that doesn’t exactly agree with the rest—is statistically likely to be a needed correction.
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In a way, the entire human race is a form of superintelligence attempting to develop its understanding of ethics. All opinions—including mine—are an essential part of that matrix.

Photo by Andrea De Santis on Unsplash

Like so many others, I was immensely saddened last week to hear of the passing of Dave Wolverton (Dave Farland). My final interaction with Dave was January 11, 2022, only a few days before he passed away. I was one of ninety or so people in the second session of his online 318R class. I cannot claim any special connection to Dave, I was only one of millions who enjoyed his books and one of many thousands of aspiring writers who benefitted from his writing instruction through writers of the future and through his online classes.

Besides being an excellent author and teacher, Dave was a man of great heart. In his classes and emails, it wasn't unusual for him to throw in a side note related to God, his family, or charity. Only a few weeks before he died, he and his wife made a trip to Fiji, seeking to raise awareness for the needs of the Fijian people. The only negative comment I ever heard from him was a jab at an author who had been actively attacking other people's faith.

Thank you, Dave, for a life well lived!

Welcome to the new and improved website for Scott R. Jensen, author of Fantasy and Science Fiction books and short stories. Unfortunately (or fortunately?) the transfer to a new home means that all previous information has been lost. Ah well...such is life.

Just so we're clear on expectations, the primary purpose of this blog is to keep everyone up to date on the progress of my books and short stories.

I will occasionally post a few words about good books I am reading or listening to, as well cool and interesting things in the scientific world related to my science fiction writing. Occasionally, I may also include fun things I do with my family so that people get the chance to know me a little better. Case in point, the picture above was taken last summer on a family trip to Utah. This is a waterfall a few miles up Mount Timpanogos (what a beautiful place!). 

Based on ugly past experience, I plan to be fairly stingy when it comes to allowing comments. As is often the case, a few incorrigible antagonists have caused enough problems to necessitate restrictions that apply to all.