The Technological Singularity

by Murray Shanahan Narrated by Tim Andres Pabon

Overview

The idea that human history is approaching a "singularity" -- that ordinary humans will someday be overtaken by artificially intelligent machines or cognitively enhanced biological intelligence, or both -- has moved from the realm of science fiction to serious debate. Some singularity theorists predict that if the field of artificial intelligence (AI) continues to develop at its current dizzying rate, the singularity could come about in the middle of the present century. Murray Shanahan offers an introduction to the idea of the singularity and considers the ramifications of such a potentially seismic event. Shanahan's aim is not to make predictions but rather to investigate a range of scenarios. Whether we believe that singularity is near or far, likely or impossible, apocalypse or utopia, the very idea raises crucial philosophical and pragmatic questions, forcing us to think seriously about what we want as a species. Shanahan describes technological advances in AI, both biologically inspired and engineered from scratch. Once human-level AI -- theoretically possible, but difficult to accomplish -- has been achieved, he explains, the transition to superintelligent AI could be very rapid. Shanahan considers what the existence of superintelligent machines could mean for such matters as personhood, responsibility, rights, and identity. Some superhuman AI agents might be created to benefit humankind; some might go rogue. (Is Siri the template, or HAL?) The singularity presents both an existential threat to humanity and an existential opportunity for humanity to transcend its limitations. Shanahan makes it clear that we need to imagine both possibilities if we want to bring about the better outcome.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

This evenhanded primer on a topic whose significance is becoming increasingly recognized ought, as per its inclusion in this series, to receive wide exposure. It will naturally appeal more to those with lay interests in philosophy, ethics, anthropology, computer science, cognitive science, engineering, sf, and world issues.—Library Journal—

Shanahan's presentation is succinct, comprehensive and commendably accessible for such a complex subject.

—E & T: Engineering & Technology Magazine—

E & T: Engineering & Technology Magazine

Shanahan's presentation is succinct, comprehensive and commendably accessible for such a complex subject.

Reviews

Shanahan's presentation is succinct, comprehensive and commendably accessible for such a complex subject.

—E & T: Engineering & Technology Magazine

Library Journal

09/01/2015
Shanahan presents an outline of the major considerations surrounding artificial intelligence (AI) today and the ways in which its development can shape our future. The book's scope is broad, and jargon and figures are avoided in favor of thorough and precise argument. Likely paths to AI, particularly development from scratch vs. whole-brain emulation, are well contrasted, as are general AI and superintelligence. Shanahan duly notes the relevant philosophical, moral, ethical, economic, societal, and, indeed, cosmological consequences of the various decisions with which we are already being faced. The ideas described here are comparable in weight and breadth to those of more visible popular scientists, such as Lawrence M. Krauss and Richard Dawkins, yet presented with no overt disdain for antiscientists. VERDICT This evenhanded primer on a topic whose significance is becoming increasingly recognized ought, as per its inclusion in this series, to receive wide exposure. It will naturally appeal more to those with lay interests in philosophy, ethics, anthropology, computer science, cognitive science, engineering, sf, and world issues.—Ricardo Laskaris, York Univ. Lib., Toronto

Product Details

BN ID:	2940170404186
Publisher:	Ascent Audio
Publication date:	09/01/2015
Edition description:	Unabridged

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