Artificial Intelligence: A Guide for Thinking Humans by Melanie Mitchell. Melanie holds a PhD in computer science from the University of Michigan. Melanie is a professor of computer science at Portland State University. In addition, she is an external professor at the Santa Fe Institute.
It is certainly very rare that a book makes an impact like Melanie’s effort. Actually, this is one rare event: I would recommend everyone read her prologue “Terrified” regardless of their life’s path. Yes, this book is that powerful.
Furthermore, Melanie studied with a leading cognitive scientist Douglas Hofstadter at Michigan and collaborated to create the Copycat program, which makes creative analogies in an idealized world.
Upon finishing the prologue, everyone should certainly continue reading. This is an easy to read, yet deep examination of the current state of artificial intelligence.
In addition, Melanie provides a good history of artificial intelligence (AI), from inception in 1954 to multiple “freezes” in AI funding to the promise of amazing breakthroughs and shocking failures. Every element for better or worse is evenly written. Bravo!
Certainly the most impressive points across each chapter is how Melanie grounds user’s expectations of AI versus the hype. This is both from the consumer to artificial intelligence engineers.
Real world AI
Perhaps the larger lesson from Melanie is the reality of AI in society. At multiple points across the book Melanie references falsehoods of AI via popular sci-fi movies (The Matrix) proves we are still far away from that level of intelligence:
Indeed, media reports on cutting-edge AI have been “feeling the learn” by celebrating the power of deep learning—emphasis on “learning.” We are told, for example, that “we can now build systems that learn how to perform tasks on their own,” that “deep learning [enables] computers to literally teach themselves,” and that deep-learning systems learn “in a way similar to the human brain.
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The promise of AI
However, based upon Melanie’s work with Douglas Hofstadter, the cognitive scientist and Pulitzer Prize–winning author of Gödel, Escher, Bach, a deep review of concepts fundamental to mathematics, symmetry, and intelligence. it appears respected AI pioneers are raising red flags on how AI can be misused.
In addition, Melanie quotes “The Master Algorithm” by Pedro Domingos. A key lesson, Melanie is certainly able to communicate serious flaws with current AI systems. She provides a solid understanding of the limits of AI today.
The pitfalls of AI
At the same time, Douglas is outlining why he is “terrified” about the future of AI. She explores the profound disconnect between the hype and the actual achievements in AI, providing a clear sense of what the field has accomplished and how much further it has to go.
In conclusion, Matt provides a solid understanding of innovations across history and lessons to creating and benefitting from inventions and efforts of other talented people. An excellent read for all.
Santa Fe Institute | Artificial Intelligence: A Guide for Thinking Humans
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IEEEUSA | Webinar: Artificial Intelligence: A Guide for Thinking Humans