It's an abuse of language to even suggest that evolution has purpose or direction
— unenlightened

Why though? — Changeling

Most species that have existed on Earth are extinct. 99% +. If there is an overall direction, it is clearly towards death and extinction.

I guess the question is: would artificial intelligence cease if human beings weren't around/were extinct.

I guess the question is: would artificial intelligence cease if human beings weren't around/were extinct. — Changeling

Is that the question? I wonder: would artificial intelligence be anti-natalist? (or should that be 'anti-manufacturist'?)

depends if they would survive without us

In a non-teleological sense, I tend to agree with the gist of the OP and have written about the topic on more than a few threads ...

... in so far as inanimate matter (far-from-equilibrium entropy) has afforded animate matter (life) to emerge:

• life affords intelligence . .

• intelligence affords immortality ...

• immortality affords ephemeralization ... — 180 Proof

... specifically the advent of AGI in the first link (above) on "immortality". Speculative forecasting? or (not-so-hard) science fiction? – that's in the mind's eye of the beholder. :nerd:

You mean like we're supposed to pass on the baton to a better version of ourselves? — Agent Smith

:rofl:

https://www.salon.com/2022/08/20/understanding-longtermism-why-this-suddenly-influential-philosophy-is-so/?fbclid=IwAR123LDFXboh9OPv3gClJvw1olYAEqvJNzd7AheVHhIEkFmmwuULoH3u2Dc

Speculative forecasting? or (not-so-hard) science fiction? — 180 Proof

Science fiction is fiction or non-fiction depending on when you read it. :nerd: :cool: (False probably, but a pleasant or unpleasant fantasy depending on the fiction.)

.
— Yohan
Your point is well made and unarguable. — unenlightened

Wish I could take credit for it, but I'm not the first to come up with the point.