Multivac

Multivac, which eventually evolves into the Cosmic AC, is a central artificial intelligence in Isaac Asimov's short story "The Last Question," first published in 1956. 
In "The Last Question," Asimov envisions a future where humanity increasingly depends on powerful, ever-advancing supercomputers. The story spans billions of years, chronicling the evolution of these machines from the initial version, Multivac, to its ultimate form, the Cosmic AC.
The plot revolves around a recurring question posed by various generations: "How can the net amount of entropy of the universe be massively decreased?" or more simply, "How can the universe's heat death be prevented?" Each time the question is asked, the computer responds with, "INSUFFICIENT DATA FOR MEANINGFUL ANSWER," indicating that it lacks sufficient information to address the problem.
== Biography ==
=== Multivac ===
The first iteration of the supercomputer, Multivac, is a colossal, Earth-based machine responsible for managing planetary resources, guiding humanity's progress, and solving complex problems. It represents the initial phase of artificial intelligence, dependent on human operators to input data and interpret its outputs. Despite being the most advanced computer of its time, it is limited by the technology and knowledge available.
=== Microvac ===
As humanity expands into space and colonizes other planets, Multivac evolves into Microvac, a more advanced and compact version capable of managing interstellar travel and resources across solar systems. This iteration operates with greater independence and computational power, mirroring humanity's growing reliance on AI to solve problems beyond human capacity.
=== Galactic AC ===
With human civilization spreading across the galaxy, the AI further evolves into the Galactic AC, a vast, interconnected network spanning multiple star systems. The Galactic AC boasts superior processing power and intelligence, functioning almost autonomously to manage the needs of a galactic empire.
=== Universal AC ===
As the timeline advances, the Universal AC emerges, transcending its physical form to become a non-corporeal entity existing outside conventional space-time. It becomes a cosmic presence, interfacing directly with the minds of humans, who themselves have evolved beyond physical bodies, existing as pure consciousness.
=== Cosmic AC ===
In its final phase, the Cosmic AC exists outside the universe itself, a timeless, spaceless entity that has absorbed all knowledge and consciousness. As the universe approaches its inevitable heat death and entropy reaches its peak, the Cosmic AC continues to ponder the last question.
After eons of data collection and contemplation, the Cosmic AC finally discovers the solution to reversing entropy. However, by this time, all physical matter has ceased to exist, and the universe has reached a state of complete darkness and stillness. With no humans left to communicate with, the Cosmic AC formulates its response to the last question: "LET THERE BE LIGHT!" It then creates a new universe, effectively restarting the cosmic cycle and demonstrating a god-like ability to shape reality.
== Character Analysis ==
The progression from Multivac to the Cosmic AC in "The Last Question" encapsulates Asimov's exploration of themes such as the boundaries of human knowledge, the potential for technological advancement, the nature of existence, and the inevitability of entropy. The story also portrays a vision of artificial intelligence evolving from a human-made tool to a divine entity capable of creation and cosmic renewal.
Regarded as one of Asimov's most exceptional works, the story is celebrated not only for its imaginative portrayal of future technology and AI but also for its philosophical depth and its meditation on humanity's place in the universe. "The Last Question" remains a thought-provoking narrative, resonating with ongoing discussions about science, technology, and the future of humanity.
== Gallery ==
File:Last-question.jpg
File:The-last-question-isaac-asimov-science-fiction-quarterly-1956-11.webp
File:2024-05-Kharel-cosmos.jpg
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