Savior or Destroyer? The History and Future of Artificial Intelligence
by George Zarkadakis
Critics' Opinion:
Readers' rating:
Published Mar 2016
384 pages
Genre: Science, Health and the Environment
Publication Information
A timely and important book that explores the history and future, as well as the societal and ethical implications, of Artificial Intelligence as we approach the cusp of a fourth industrial revolution.
Zarkadakis explores one of humankind's oldest love-hate relationships - our ties with artificial intelligence, or AI. He traces AI's origins in ancient myth, through literary classics like Frankenstein, to today's sci-fi blockbusters, arguing that a fascination with AI is hardwired into the human psyche. He explains AI's history, technology, and potential; its manifestations in intelligent machines; its connections to neurology and consciousness, as well as - perhaps most tellingly - what AI reveals about us as human beings.
In Our Own Image argues that we are on the brink of a fourth industrial revolution - poised to enter the age of Artificial Intelligence as science fiction becomes science fact. Ultimately, Zarkadakis observes, the fate of AI has profound implications for the future of science and humanity itself.
"Starred Review. A delightfully lucid combination of the history, philosophy, and science behind thinking machines." - Kirkus
"Starred Review. By the conclusion of this highly accessible work, Zarkadakis convincingly posits a future in which "post-humanism will have morphed into trans-humanism," showing how a romance with AI will present humans with a daunting dilemma." - Publishers Weekly
This information about In Our Own Image was first featured
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Any "Author Information" displayed below reflects the author's biography at the time this particular book was published.
George Zarkadakis has a PhD in Artificial Intelligence. He has worked for various companies and organizations, including Accenture and Silicon Graphics, and is currently a digital transformation consultant and web entrepreneur. Awarded a knighthood by the French government for his international work in science communication, Zarkadakis writes for several international publications including the Daily Telegraph, the Huffington Post and Aeon magazine. He lives in London.
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