What to Think About Machines That Think: Today's Leading Thinkers on the Age of Machine Intelligence

(Paperback)

Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

Description

As the world becomes ever more dominated by technology, John Brockmans latest addition to the acclaimed and bestselling Edge Question Series asks more than 175 leading scientists, philosophers, and artists: What do you think about machines that think

The development of artificial intelligence has been a source of fascination and anxiety ever since Alan Turing formalized the concept in 1950. Today, Stephen Hawking believes that AI could spell the end of the human race. At the very least, its development raises complicated moral issues with powerful real-world implicationsfor us and for our machines.

In this volume, recording artist Brian Eno proposes that were already part of an AI: global civilization, or what TED curator Chris Anderson elsewhere calls the hive mind. And author Pamela McCorduck considers what drives us to pursue AI in the first place.

On the existential threat posed by superintelligent machines, Steven Pinker questions the likelihood of a robot uprising. Douglas Coupland traces discomfort with human-programmed AI to deeper fears about what constitutes humanness. Martin Rees predicts the end of organic thinking, while Daniel C. Dennett explains why he believes the Singularity might be an urban legend.

Provocative, enriching, and accessible, Brain vs. Machine may just be a practical guide to the not-so-distant future.

Reviews

"Once again, cultural wizard John Brockman has stirred up the intellectual waters with a provocative question, designed to tease the best out of intellectuals. ... Excellent." -- New Scientist "An immeasurably stimulating read... exploring the intersection of science, philosophy, technology, ethics, and psychology to unravel some of the most important questions worth asking." -- Brain Pickings "Lively. ... A satisfying experience for readers looking for thoughtful answers to big questions." -- Kirkus "Another stimulating read from Brockman and company." -- Shelf Awareness

Author Bio

The publisher of the online science salon Edge.org, John Brockman is the editor of the national bestsellers This Idea Must Die, This Explains Everything, This Will Make You Smarter, and other volumes.