Beyond AI: Creating the Conscience of the MachineArtificial intelligence (AI) is now advancing at such a rapid clip that it has the potential to transform our world in ways both exciting and disturbing. Computers have already been designed that are capable of driving cars, playing soccer, and finding and organizing information on the Web in ways that no human could. With each new gain in processing power, will scientists soon be able to create supercomputers that can read a newspaper with understanding, or write a news story, or create novels, or even formulate laws? And if machine intelligence advances beyond human intelligence, will we need to start talking about a computer’s intentions? These are some of the questions discussed by computer scientist J. Storrs Hall in this fascinating layperson’s guide to the latest developments in artificial intelligence. Drawing on a thirty-year career in artificial intelligence and computer science, Hall reviews the history of AI, discussing some of the major roadblocks that the field has recently overcome, and predicting the probable achievements in the near future. There is new excitement in the field over the amazing capabilities of the latest robots and renewed optimism that achieving human-level intelligence is a reachable goal. But what will this mean for society and the relations between technology and human beings? Soon ethical concerns will arise and programmers will need to begin thinking about the computer counterparts of moral codes and how ethical interactions between humans and their machines will eventually affect society as a whole. Weaving disparate threads together in an enlightening manner from cybernetics, computer science, psychology, philosophy of mind, neurophysiology, game theory, and economics, Hall provides an intriguing glimpse into the astonishing possibilities and dilemmas on the horizon. |
Other editions - View all
Common terms and phrases
ability able abstract accessed March Alan Turing algorithms analogy architecture Artificial Intelligence Asimov autogenous basic Bayesian Bayesian networks behavior brain build cahooter called capable century chess cognitive complex concepts COPYCAT cybernetics E. O. Wilson emotions engine EURISKO evolution evolutionary ethics example experience feedback formal formalist float function genes genetic given going Hans Moravec human hyperhuman intuition Isaac Asimov kind language learning LISP logic look Marvin Minsky mathematical means mechanism memetic memory mind modules Moore's law moral Moravec parahuman philosophical physical possible predict Prisoner's Dilemma problem processing power produce reason representation robot seems semantic sense sensor SIGMA simply simulate situation solve space specific structure symbols techniques theory there's things Three Laws tion trying Turing machine Turing Test understanding universal Vernor Vinge what's Wiener York