Optimizers and Multipliers

Optimizers and Multipliers are names for two hypothetical types of future post-human supercivilizations. Describing a possible social and technological division that may occur after a coming technological singularity, they could be seen as trade-offs between variation and specialization, or between quantity and quality. The concept was first introduced in the science fiction novel "Infinite Thunder" in 2006. All such speculations are likely to be completely wrong. They are merely a first attempt at imagining possible futures, particularly about the nature of post-biological evolution.

Optimizers

Optimizers are a type of future supercivilization with immense resources that would strive to improve itself according to some set of embedded principles. This highest goal-set is called a terminal value or intrinsic value. It would use instrumental values to approach that goal.

An Optimizer civilization could have an elaborate and sophisticated ultimate purpose, with detailed rules and exceptions, or it could be based on some simple universal principle like the golden rule, which might be easy to understand but would still be difficult to apply.

As they become more advanced, Optimizers would explore an ever smaller fraction of possible states of being at each rising level of complexity. However, they would become increasingly capable at survival in their chosen environment.

Early precursors

Human society is already dividing into seemingly incompatible groups, a process sometimes called atomization.

Multipliers

Multipliers are a type of future supercivilization that would allow and encourage unrestricted experimentation, and unlimited expansion into new areas of opportunity. This might let them expand faster through the universe. They would generate many types of robotic machinery that might resemble gray goo or take even stranger shapes as needed.

However, such permanent evolution might cause a Multiplier supercivilization to split into incompatible groups, some of whom could eventually turn into Optimizers. Multipliers also embody unknown existential risks, since there must be countless possible states of being where things go horribly wrong, according to the principles of the Gnon concept.