Alexei Turchin

Portrait of Alexei Turchin

Alexei Turchin is a researcher focused on existential risks and a prominent figure in the Russian transhumanist movement, having been involved since 2007. His work explores the intersection of technology and philosophy, particularly concerning the potential for technological resurrection.

In his presentation, “You Only Live Twice” shared at MTAConf 2019 (whose theme was “Redeeming Our Dead”), Turchin delved into the possibility of using computer simulations of the past for technological resurrection. He draws inspiration from Russian cosmist Nikolai Fedorov, emphasizing the importance of preserving information, especially the human brain’s connectome, for future reconstruction of individuals.

His research encompasses various methods for achieving technological resurrection, including cryonics, digital immortality, plastination, and advanced AI simulations of historical events. Turchin posits that a future superintelligence could potentially reconstruct even those whose resurrection was not actively prepared for.

Videos by Alexei Turchin

You only live twice
13:52

Alexei Turchin

You only live twice

Alexei Turchin presents a framework for technological resurrection through computer simulation of the past. Drawing on the ideas of Russian cosmist Nikolai Fedorov, Turchin argues that death can be understood as loss of information—specifically the connectome of the human brain—and resurrection as the reconstruction of that information. He proposes that a future superintelligent AI could run a detailed simulation of all human history, using DNA samples, written records, archaeological data, and memories to recreate every person who ever lived. The simulated individuals would then be transferred to a personalized afterlife matching their expectations. Turchin addresses ethical concerns including unnecessary suffering and consent, while suggesting that benevolent AIs would far outnumber malevolent ones across the universe.