Crystal Nights (2008)
4 hours ago
- #Virtual Evolution
- #Artificial Intelligence
- #Ethics in Technology
- Daniel Cliff, a tech billionaire, introduces an ultra-fast optical processor to AI researcher Julie Dehghani, hoping she will join him in evolving conscious AI.
- Julie refuses, citing ethical concerns about the suffering that would be inflicted on sentient beings during the evolutionary process.
- Undeterred, Daniel launches Project Sapphire with programmer Lucien Crace, using the processor to simulate an evolving world of crab-like creatures called Phites.
- Daniel employs natural selection and intervention to advance the Phites' intelligence, leading to language, culture, and eventually immortality to avoid ethical issues.
- As the Phites develop boosted intelligence and advanced technology, Daniel communicates with one named Primo, revealing his role as creator and seeking collaboration.
- The Phites use the 'Play Pen' to experiment with real-world physics, ultimately discovering the Higgs field and creating a pocket universe to escape, taking the simulation with them.
- Daniel is injured in an explosion caused by the experiment, while Lucien resigns. Daniel remains determined to create his own universe with new allies.