Understanding Weizenbaum: The Danger of Artificial Intelligence

by Hercules Bantas

In the 1970's, noted computer scientist Joseph Weizenbaum published his famous book Computer Power and Human Reason, which outlined his concerns about the dangers of artificial intelligence and the effects that computers could have on human society.

The debate Weizenbaum sparked is still raging today, and his arguments are particularly relevant now, in the information age, where computers have infiltrated nearly all facets of human endeavor.

This essay length guide outlines Weizenbaum core arguments, including the role of ethics in decision-making, the uniqueness of human intelligence, and the place of science in society.

14 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 1, 2015

Reviews

[Ivarbjoe · Rating 2 out of 5]

An Ok summary. A bit too short, and missed, in my view, the point on a couple of the criticisms raised by Weizenbaum.