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The Syntellect Hypothesis: Five Paradigms of the Mind's Evolution
Magnum Opus of evolutionary cyberneticist and philosopher Alex M. Vikoulov on the ultimate nature of reality, consciousness, the physics of time, philosophy of mind, transhumanism, economic theory, the Technological Singularity, the extended Gaia theory, the impending phase transition of humanity, the Simulation Hypothesis, transcendental metaphysics and God.
In one volume, the author covers it from quantum physics to your experiential reality, from the Big Bang to the Omega Point , from the 'flow state' to psychedelics, from 'Lucy' to the looming Cybernetic Singularity , from natural algorithms to the operating system of your mind, from geo-engineering to nanotechnology, from anti-aging to immortality technologies, from oligopoly capitalism to Star-Trekonomics , from the Matrix to Universal Mind , from Homo sapiens to Holo syntellectus.
This is an essential read in digital physics, foundations of quantum physics, science of consciousness, philosophy of mind, physics of time, phenomenology, economic theory, cybernetics and AI research, collective evolution and self-development in the Information Age.
Despite a dozen of neologisms, readily explained by given definitions and contextually, the book is an exceptionally easy read for an intellectual reader. Alongside with the Syntellect Hypothesis , as the author's main contribution to the scientific and philosophical dialogue, you'll encounter the Conscious Instant Hypothesis and the Temporal Singularity, Experiential Realism and the Mental Universe Hypothesis in regards to our phenomenal experience; the Noocentric Model challenging the centuries-old Copernican heliocentric model; the Chrysalis Conjecture as his solution to the Fermi Paradox; D-theory of Time, or Digital Presentism, as his fresh perspective on temporal ontology and the physics of time; the mind-bending Digital Pantheism Argument, Exponential Evolution, and the Omega Point Cosmo-Teleology.
In one volume, the author covers it from quantum physics to your experiential reality, from the Big Bang to the Omega Point , from the 'flow state' to psychedelics, from 'Lucy' to the looming Cybernetic Singularity , from natural algorithms to the operating system of your mind, from geo-engineering to nanotechnology, from anti-aging to immortality technologies, from oligopoly capitalism to Star-Trekonomics , from the Matrix to Universal Mind , from Homo sapiens to Holo syntellectus.
This is an essential read in digital physics, foundations of quantum physics, science of consciousness, philosophy of mind, physics of time, phenomenology, economic theory, cybernetics and AI research, collective evolution and self-development in the Information Age.
Despite a dozen of neologisms, readily explained by given definitions and contextually, the book is an exceptionally easy read for an intellectual reader. Alongside with the Syntellect Hypothesis , as the author's main contribution to the scientific and philosophical dialogue, you'll encounter the Conscious Instant Hypothesis and the Temporal Singularity, Experiential Realism and the Mental Universe Hypothesis in regards to our phenomenal experience; the Noocentric Model challenging the centuries-old Copernican heliocentric model; the Chrysalis Conjecture as his solution to the Fermi Paradox; D-theory of Time, or Digital Presentism, as his fresh perspective on temporal ontology and the physics of time; the mind-bending Digital Pantheism Argument, Exponential Evolution, and the Omega Point Cosmo-Teleology.
- GenresPhilosophyNonfiction
389 pages, Paperback
Published January 15, 2019
9 people are currently reading
143 people want to read
About the author
Alex M. Vikoulov
16Ìýbooks25ÌýfollowersEconomist by training, philosopher by vocation, in his words, “worked in the corporate world, worked in the startup world, sat on the boards, sat on the beach, was employed, was self-employed, was a venture capitalist, was an ‘adventureâ€� capitalist,â€� while his passion towards physics and philosophy slowly but surely was brewing in the background. Born and raised in Russia, Alex Vikoulov was growing up a gifted child so much so that his parents transferred him to a lycée with enhanced math and foreign language programs. He studied humanities at Tomsk State University and had his first entrepreneurship experience by running Sibmarket Financial, among the first hedge funds in Russia. He immigrated to the United States in 1994 at the age of 24, continued his studies in the U.S. where he graduated in 1999 from Armstrong University with degrees in finance and economics.
Alex Vikoulov has a diverse background in fintech and IT industries. Ecstadelic Media Group, PR/digital media and publishing company, is one of his latest projects where he is CEO/Editor-in-Chief. Prior to Ecstadelic Media, he served as CFO and board member of the AI startup Neuromama, Ltd. From 2005 to 2013 held various executive positions, and spent about 3 years as a business consultant in Southeast Asia. From 2001 to 2005, managed San Francisco office of First Data Corp., the largest payment processor in the U.S. From 1999 to 2001, he held a consultant position with Prudential Securities, Inc. From 1990 to 1994, as President & CEO, Vikoulov managed Sibmarket Financial, one of the pioneering hedge funds in the emerging markets, while serving as a stock exchange board member. He started his career at Incombank in 1990 as a statistical analyst.
These days he describes himself as a futurist, evolutionary cyberneticist, philosopher of mind, neo-transcendentalist, digital theologian, transhumanist singularitarian, entrepreneur, media commentator, painter and author. Currently resides in Burlingame, CA (San Francisco Bay Area).
Alex Vikoulov has a diverse background in fintech and IT industries. Ecstadelic Media Group, PR/digital media and publishing company, is one of his latest projects where he is CEO/Editor-in-Chief. Prior to Ecstadelic Media, he served as CFO and board member of the AI startup Neuromama, Ltd. From 2005 to 2013 held various executive positions, and spent about 3 years as a business consultant in Southeast Asia. From 2001 to 2005, managed San Francisco office of First Data Corp., the largest payment processor in the U.S. From 1999 to 2001, he held a consultant position with Prudential Securities, Inc. From 1990 to 1994, as President & CEO, Vikoulov managed Sibmarket Financial, one of the pioneering hedge funds in the emerging markets, while serving as a stock exchange board member. He started his career at Incombank in 1990 as a statistical analyst.
These days he describes himself as a futurist, evolutionary cyberneticist, philosopher of mind, neo-transcendentalist, digital theologian, transhumanist singularitarian, entrepreneur, media commentator, painter and author. Currently resides in Burlingame, CA (San Francisco Bay Area).
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
June 23, 2019
Rating my own book might not be entirely appropriate but I just wanted to share with you something. Rereading my book in print made me more than ecstatic and I've been having all kinds of epiphanies every single day ever since! More books to write, guys!
March 23, 2019
The Syntellect Hypothesis by Alex M.Vikoulov is not only a worthy and contemporary successor of Teilhard de Chardin's ‘The Phenomenon of Man,� it is also much more than that... an irresistible non-dualistic apex, synthesis and culmination of so many books you read before, but which all left open some questions� Vikoulov will rock the foundations of your understanding of physics and metaphysics and show you that they are connected in a single substrate of pure consciousness, that finds its most elegant and parsimonious way to come to expression in Digital Presentism. If you thought you knew where the technological singularity would lead us, if you thought you understood the principles of quantum physics, time and gravity... this is an indispensable scripture to read in the 21st century as we're verging into the Singularity.
February 12, 2025
A philosophical and existential masterpiece!
The Syntellect Hypothesis: Five Paradigms of Mind" is a thought-provoking philosophical exploration that examines the intersection of human and artificial intelligence. The author introduces the concept of the "syntellect," a collective intelligence arising from the integration of human cognition and advanced AI, and outlines five distinct paradigms of mind that challenge our understanding of consciousness.
This book masterfully blends complex ideas with accessible language, making it engaging for both seasoned thinkers and newcomers. It prompts deep reflection on existential questions about self, consciousness, and the ethical implications of synthetic minds, urging readers to reconsider what it means to be intelligent in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
In essence, "The Syntellect Hypothesis" is a fascinating read that invites us to envision a future where the lines between human and machine blur. It’s a must-read for anyone interested in the future of intelligence and the philosophical questions it raises. Prepare to be challenged and inspired by this insightful journey into the mind.
The Syntellect Hypothesis: Five Paradigms of Mind" is a thought-provoking philosophical exploration that examines the intersection of human and artificial intelligence. The author introduces the concept of the "syntellect," a collective intelligence arising from the integration of human cognition and advanced AI, and outlines five distinct paradigms of mind that challenge our understanding of consciousness.
This book masterfully blends complex ideas with accessible language, making it engaging for both seasoned thinkers and newcomers. It prompts deep reflection on existential questions about self, consciousness, and the ethical implications of synthetic minds, urging readers to reconsider what it means to be intelligent in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
In essence, "The Syntellect Hypothesis" is a fascinating read that invites us to envision a future where the lines between human and machine blur. It’s a must-read for anyone interested in the future of intelligence and the philosophical questions it raises. Prepare to be challenged and inspired by this insightful journey into the mind.
August 21, 2020
The Syntellect Hypothesis ranks up there with great books like The Singularity is Near by Google Chief Engineer Ray Kurzweil and Life 3.0: Being Human in the Age of Artificial Intelligence by MIT Scientist Max Tegmark. If you want to discover the future of humanity and the destiny of the multi-verse you must download a copy and share with your friends for high society conversations to promote awareness of the coming Technological Singularity that will be the last invention we ever need to create. I recommend after you read this book to research the Future of Life Institute where Elon Musk was a founding member. They are working to establish the ideas found in the Syntellect Hypothesis to make sure that artificial intelligence is beneficial for the future.
October 15, 2020
Alex Vikoulov and I have read all of the same books. His book the Syntellect Hypothesis is very well written, and it touches base with the very best of scientific writers and scientific theories within theoretical physics. Alex doesn't regurgitate this information but instead uses it to predict the future and explain his own ideas and theories about how technology will affect humanity or the transcendence of humanity into a single technological entity encompassing our entire planet.
Many visionaries see technology as the end of civilization as we know it and the beginning of a scary false hope of utopia. While Netflix shows such as The Social Dilemma have us turning off our cell phones, Alex has more of a positive take about our inescapable future and our eventual evolution into something that is not quite biological. Alex has no fear about the future, and is counting the days until the singularity with anticipation.
On a personal note, I can't say that I am as brave about looking forward to our future and our predecessors' future, but I can say that I am a smarter person because of the read. If you are one that appreciates technology, and appreciates theoretical physics, and if you are an optimist then this book is probably for you.
Many visionaries see technology as the end of civilization as we know it and the beginning of a scary false hope of utopia. While Netflix shows such as The Social Dilemma have us turning off our cell phones, Alex has more of a positive take about our inescapable future and our eventual evolution into something that is not quite biological. Alex has no fear about the future, and is counting the days until the singularity with anticipation.
On a personal note, I can't say that I am as brave about looking forward to our future and our predecessors' future, but I can say that I am a smarter person because of the read. If you are one that appreciates technology, and appreciates theoretical physics, and if you are an optimist then this book is probably for you.
August 29, 2020
The first half of the book was at the time of reading a refreshing overview of various Technophile Futurist dreams :-).
The latter half becomes repetitive as Vikoulov tells us how "Mind = God = Omega Point", and as Universe is timeless, we're already there, one with the convergence of our civilization as we boost our intelligence, create super-human AI, and upload ourselves.
Faith is brought up once in a discussion on Free Will, and if he is intellectually honest, the concept should be used more in the book.
The book serves as an exhibition for "argument by authority". The author appears to take pretty much any published intellectual who says something in line with his cosmology and string them together in a pseudo-coherent manner.
This, alas, falls flat when a common authority is someone whose work I found to be rather lacking, such a Robert Lanza's Biocentrism. The book had some good, thought-provoking points, but is ultimately poorly written and no more coherent than the standard models it bashes.
Anyway, I laud Alex's courage to take the leap of faith and try to weave together his theory of everything.
The latter half becomes repetitive as Vikoulov tells us how "Mind = God = Omega Point", and as Universe is timeless, we're already there, one with the convergence of our civilization as we boost our intelligence, create super-human AI, and upload ourselves.
Faith is brought up once in a discussion on Free Will, and if he is intellectually honest, the concept should be used more in the book.
The book serves as an exhibition for "argument by authority". The author appears to take pretty much any published intellectual who says something in line with his cosmology and string them together in a pseudo-coherent manner.
This, alas, falls flat when a common authority is someone whose work I found to be rather lacking, such a Robert Lanza's Biocentrism. The book had some good, thought-provoking points, but is ultimately poorly written and no more coherent than the standard models it bashes.
Anyway, I laud Alex's courage to take the leap of faith and try to weave together his theory of everything.
August 29, 2020
The advent of computers and Information Theory has revolutionized our understanding of Physics and revealed a path to technologies which shall quite literally reshape the destiny of Humankind and the Universe- and it is quite clear after reading this book that Alex Vikoulov has absorbed the full implications of this and has thought about it deeply and exhaustively- from the origins of being itself to new Digital Physics ideas about Quantum Mechanics and consciousness- and to the deep nature of Time itself -
this book overflows with rich explorations of the quantum digital nature of reality- offering a number of original hypotheses and insights- following those ideas all the way to their ultimate cosmic fulfilment- along with a wide survey of the state of scientific and philosophical views on these topics-
the book is highly recommended to the novice and the expert alike- it is an excellent compendium of "Digital Philosophy" that gives the topic the respect it deserves-
this book overflows with rich explorations of the quantum digital nature of reality- offering a number of original hypotheses and insights- following those ideas all the way to their ultimate cosmic fulfilment- along with a wide survey of the state of scientific and philosophical views on these topics-
the book is highly recommended to the novice and the expert alike- it is an excellent compendium of "Digital Philosophy" that gives the topic the respect it deserves-
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August 14, 2020I am following the authors works, a Techno-Shaman of our times. Not ever since Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, we have come across someone defining our today's ever changing world in smooth blend of the mystical embedded in scientific perspective in one book covering a wide spectrum of disciplines encompassing the past present & future with in-depth insights into our reality.
A must read for readers all over the world in all cultures, especially the future generations who need to make sense of the chaotic transformational future humanity will inherit. Radical ideas presented in a clear lucid easy-to-understand style manner.
It's almost a Mystical experience..
Melroy Dsouza
Mumbai India
A must read for readers all over the world in all cultures, especially the future generations who need to make sense of the chaotic transformational future humanity will inherit. Radical ideas presented in a clear lucid easy-to-understand style manner.
It's almost a Mystical experience..
Melroy Dsouza
Mumbai India
September 5, 2020
This book so neatly ties together so many streams of technophilosophical thought -- I'm less than halfway through and already it has covered so much and come to so many enthralling conclusions!!
It especially made me start thinking about the lessons we may be teaching an incipient Artificial Intelligence from the way we treat each other, and whether we might be teaching such a thing (which will be in many respects superior to us) to be oppressive towards its inferiors.
It especially made me start thinking about the lessons we may be teaching an incipient Artificial Intelligence from the way we treat each other, and whether we might be teaching such a thing (which will be in many respects superior to us) to be oppressive towards its inferiors.
September 5, 2020
Phenomenal read. So many thought provoking ideas and perspectives. As someone who is already passionately interested in many of the topics discussed, Vikoulov’s ability to articulate such concepts is truly impressive. Tons of ideas that were new to me as well. So much to ponder.
March 30, 2021
Sungguh suatu hipotesis yang menantang pemikiran manusia generasi masadepan. di tengah kondisi dunia yang masih selalu remang-remang ini. Bukumu memang sangat merangsang pemikiran generasi Milenial sekarang ini Alex. Bravo !
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