What Do We Know and What Should We Do About AI?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become a global multibillion-dollar industry, with fears over killer robots and driverless cars inspiring and horrifying us. Ewa Luger's book explains what AI is, how we got here, what we are doing about it, where the field is heading, and where we should go next.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 120 pages
Publication date: 23 November 2022
Publisher: SAGE Publications Ltd

The concept of artificial intelligence (AI) has captured the world's attention, generating a range of emotions from awe and excitement to apprehension and fear. From the fictional portrayal of killer robots in dystopian sci-fi scenarios to the reality of driverless cars on our roads, we are captivated by the idea of an advanced intelligence that surpasses our own. The question on everyone's mind is whether AI has the potential to dominate the world and replace human jobs. The emergence of sentient chatbots like Google's LaMDA has further fueled these concerns, raising questions about whether AI is on the path to achieving human-like intelligence or simply being misunderstood. These common queries point to an uncertain and concerning future.

While we cannot predict the exact trajectory of AI, we do know that we are currently in a hype cycle. Significant amounts of funding and focus are driving progress in the field, leading to rapid advancements. However, it remains to be seen whether AI will truly live up to the immense expectations that have been placed upon it.

In this concise and accessible book, Ewa Luger provides a comprehensive exploration of AI, delving into its definition, historical context, current applications, and future prospects. Luger begins by defining AI as the simulation of human intelligence processes by machines, including learning, reasoning, and problem-solving. She then traces the evolution of AI, from its early beginnings in the 1950s to its present-day prominence.

Luger highlights the various applications of AI, including healthcare, finance, transportation, and entertainment. She discusses how AI is being used to diagnose diseases, predict financial trends, optimize transportation systems, and create personalized entertainment experiences. She also explores the ethical considerations surrounding AI, such as privacy, bias, and accountability.

The book also provides a roadmap for the future of AI, discussing the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Luger identifies the need for interdisciplinary collaboration, robust regulation, and ethical guidelines to ensure the responsible development and deployment of AI. She also emphasizes the importance of transparency and accountability in AI decision-making, as well as the need for ongoing research and development to address the evolving nature of the field.

In conclusion, "What Do We Know and What Should We Do About Artificial Intelligence?" is a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the complex world of AI. Written by a leading social scientist, the book offers a comprehensive and accessible overview of AI, its applications, and its potential implications for the future. Whether you are a student, researcher, or simply curious about the future of technology, this book provides valuable insights and perspectives that will help you navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of AI.

Weight: 176g
Dimension: 148 x 209 x 13 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781529600278