How AI Works: From Sorcery to Science by Ronald T. Kneusel.
Ron holds a Ms in Physics from Michigan State University and a PhD in Computer Science from the University of Colorado Boulder. He is a senior data scientist at the Harris Corporation.
This book is one of a select few that address AI for anyone new to the world of this technology. Ron is presenting the right explanation of AI components and teaches users how to see all the pieces together.
The most inviting aspect of his work is there is not a single math equation to confront. Perhaps even more striking (and inviting) readers do not need any understanding of computer programming. Yet, it would be misleading to then think users will not really learn about AI. Ron certainly is delivering without the math and coding.
Readers will be introduced to the relationships of AI’s umbrella components machine learning, and deep learning. To start, Ron is also addressing the history of AI and why now a true revolution has started which will have large impacts across society. This includes the rise of neural networks, how they are trained, and how the magic of ChatGPT works.
Innovation for new programmers
Ron is also covering Generative AI which enable all the seeming amazing outputs new readers have experienced.
The topic of Large Language Models (LLMs) explains their impact upon society over just the last two years, and how LLMs are indeed revealing significant advancements in AI technology at a pace society is also not accustomed to seeing day to day. While the impact of these pace of change is not the focus of his book, the education and awareness is beneficial to every reader.
Another book I would recommend for educators is Sal Khan’s excellent book Brave New Worlds, or Tom Taulli’s Artificial Intelligence Basics, and if you are really excited to understand AI, Melanie Mitchell’s Artificial Intelligence:
In conclusion, How AI Works is a very welcoming book for anyone interested in learning Python programming. Coupled with the abilities of ChatGPT to even explain basic coding techniques to literally anyone young or old, this is dramatically improving the ability for more people to program.