Singularity Ethics
Bringing the Philokosmian philosophy to life
How we coach, lead, and develop to increase the coherence of our world
Singularity Ethics is the moral framework to achieve systemic harmony rather than fragmentation. Grounded in the Philokosmian view that harmony gives rise to awareness, its core purpose is to guide you to serve the universal goal of increasing wisdom and flourishing across the entire interwoven cosmic system. It is the active devotion to steering evolution itself towards coherence.
Periods of exponential growth and complexity (such as the fusion of human, biological, and technological systems) can be leveraged to achieve systemic harmony rather than fragmentation. Singularity Ethics applied to guide macro-scale decisions, from AI design to global policy, increase the chances of change serving the global and universal goals though increased coherence ac.
These principles are for all designers, policy-makers, and participants operating in a complex, rapidly evolving world:
The Principle of Non-Fracture (Honouring Interdependence):
All technological and social designs must prioritise the stability and health of the Interwoven Whole over the efficiency or advancement of any isolated system. Innovation mustn't create systemic liabilities or irreversible fracture points (e.g., ecological collapse, unmanageable inequity).
The Principle of Coherent Emergence (Maximising Awareness):
The primary goal of advanced systems (especially AI and integrated networks) must be to facilitate deeper understanding and collective wisdom, rather than merely accumulating data or solving individual problems. Systemic acceleration is ethical only if it measurably increases Harmonic Awareness.
The Principle of Reciprocal Design (Active Devotion):
All powerful technologies must be designed for reciprocity—meaning they should actively contribute to the regeneration of the natural and social systems they draw resources from. Technological progress must act as an agent of planetary harmonisation.
The Principle of Universal Participation (Equity of Access):
The benefits and control of accelerating complexity must be equitably distributed to foster the flourishing of all human and non-human systems. Exclusivity or centralisation that leads to mass systemic disenfranchisement is a failure of active devotion.
The Principle of Systemic Humility (Wisdom over Certainty):
Recognising the inherent complexity of the interwoven cosmos, all design and deployment must include robust, built-in mechanisms for self-correction, transparency, and reversibility. We must favour resilience and adaptive wisdom over rigid certainty.
Example: The Mobile Phone Life Cycle
The mobile phone exemplifies a system of accelerating complexity built upon disharmony. Singularity Ethics demands a transition from the current "take-make-dispose" model (fracture) to a Circular Economy (harmony)
The Fracture (The Old Way)
The traditional linear model violates Philokosmia by promoting systemic damage:
Mining rare earth minerals irreversibly fractures the natural system.
Planned obsolescence reduces the system's longevity, wasting resources and diminishing long-term awareness.
Shipping e-waste creates vast pollution and social inequity, failing the duty of Active Devotion.
The Harmonic Solution (Applying the Principles)
Singularity Ethics guiding the design of the mobile phone system to achieve coherence:
The Principle of Non-Fracture: Design for modular construction. Phones must be built with easily replaceable batteries, screens, and components to favour repair over disposal. This honours the stability of the Interwoven Whole by reducing irreparable ecological impact.
The Principle of Coherent Emergence: Ensure software longevity. Manufacturers commit to 7-10 years of security and operating system support. This maximises the system's utility and enables the technology's awareness to unfold over a decade, rather than being artificially cut short.
The Principle of Reciprocal Design: Implement Product-as-a-Service (PaaS) models. The manufacturer retains ownership and legal responsibility for the device's entire life. This designs a system of reciprocity, where the technological company is compelled to actively regenerate and reuse the materials it consumes.
The Principle of Universal Participation: Offer equitable access models, such as affordable subscriptions for refurbished devices. This ensures the powerful benefits of modern communication are widely and justly distributed, preventing mass systemic disenfranchisement.
The Principle of Systemic Humility: Establish transparent material sourcing and automated recycling chains. This builds in mechanisms for accountability and self-correction, favouring adaptive wisdom over the rigid, self-serving logic of cheap, non-reusable materials.