TECHNOLOGY

Human Compatible: Artificial Intelligence and the Problem of Control

by Stuart Russell
Viking. Oct. 2019. 352p. notes. index. ISBN 9780525558613. $28. TECH.
COPY ISBN
Russell’s (computer science, Univ. of California, Berkeley; coauthor, Artificial Intelligence: A Modern Approach) new book exploring the often overlooked critical perils of contemporary artificial intelligence (AI) begins with an alarming proposition: that out of control AI may lead to conflict between humankind and intelligent machines. The author expounds on the foundations of AI, noting that contemporary enthusiasm for it lacks control safeguards necessary for protecting the interests of humans. A keystone chapter on “AI Misuse” details how the current AI strand has not reached the point of superintelligence, but that autonomous weapons, digital surveillance, and workforce automation in an increasing number of sectors are harbingers of a possible world of AI superintelligence that will come into conflict with humankind.
VERDICT Russell has created the right guide at the right time for technology enthusiasts seeking to explore the primary concepts of what makes AI valuable while simultaneously examining the disconcerting aspects of AI misuse.
Reviewed by Jim Hahn, Univ. Lib., Univ. of Illinois, Urbana , Sep 01, 2019
Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.

RELATED 

NONFICTION

The Afterlife of Data: What Happens to Your Information When You Die and Why You Should Care
by Öhman, Carl
NONFICTION

Token Supremacy: The Art of Finance, the Finance of Art, and the Great Crypto Crash of 2022
by Small, Zachary
NONFICTION

AI Needs You: How We Can Change AI’s Future and Save Our Own
by Harding, Verity
NONFICTION

Robots and the People Who Love Them: Holding on to Our Humanity in an Age of Social Robots
by Herold, Eve
NONFICTION

Breaking Twitter: Elon Musk and the Most Controversial Corporate Takeover in History
by Mezrich, Ben
MEDIA

Traffic: Genius, Rivalry, and Delusion in the Billion-Dollar Race To Go Viral
by Smith, Ben
More
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?