The Technological Singularity

The MIT Press Essential Knowledge

by Murray Shanahan

The idea that human history is approaching a "singularity" -- that ordinary humans will someday be overtaken by artificially intelligent machines or cognitively enhanced biological intelligence, or both -- has moved from the realm of science fiction to serious debate. Some singularity theorists predict that if the field of artificial intelligence (AI) continues to develop at its current dizzying rate, the singularity could come about in the middle of the present century. Murray Shanahan offers an introduction to the idea of the singularity and considers the ramifications of such a potentially seismic event. Shanahan's aim is not to make predictions but rather to investigate a range of scenarios. Whether we believe that singularity is near or far, likely or impossible, apocalypse or utopia, the very idea raises crucial philosophical and pragmatic questions, forcing us to think seriously about what we want as a species. Shanahan describes technological advances in AI, both biologically inspired and engineered from scratch. Once human-level AI -- theoretically possible, but difficult to accomplish -- has been achieved, he explains, the transition to superintelligent AI could be very rapid. Shanahan considers what the existence of superintelligent machines could mean for such matters as personhood, responsibility, rights, and identity. Some superhuman AI agents might be created to benefit humankind; some might go rogue. (Is Siri the template, or HAL?) The singularity presents both an existential threat to humanity and an existential opportunity for humanity to transcend its limitations. Shanahan makes it clear that we need to imagine both possibilities if we want to bring about the better outcome.

Genres: Science, Nonfiction, Technology, Artificial Intelligence, Philosophy, Computer Science, Futurism

272 pages, Paperback

First published August 7, 2015

About the author

Murray Shanahan is Professor of Cognitive Robotics in the Department of Computing at Imperial College London. He is the author of Solving the Frame Problem (MIT Press) and Embodiment and the Inner Life.

Reviews

[Nicky · Rating 2 out of 5]

It seems odd to me that Shanahan says that science fiction doesn’t examine the issues of the singularity deeply, and yet I feel that several spec-fic books have done so much more than this non-fiction book. He does as much work in imagining, glancing at the possibilities for general AI and what they might mean, and though he tries to discuss them intellectually, I feel that other authors writing fiction have made me engage much more with the issues.

It’s informative enough, but I found it relatively simplistic: it stuck as closely as possible to what can be imagined using our modern technology, which I think is kind of not the point of the whole singularity idea, which should be an advance that leaves behind humans as we currently are. I think it might better be explored in fiction; at least then, it can give us an illusion of otherness, which is undermined by the matter of fact discussions of how something could come about.

If you’re interested in AI, but know basically nothing, this is a decent primer. If you’re a science fiction fan, stick to novels: they’re more imaginative and more interesting, and I say that as someone who does enjoy non-fiction a lot. If you’re curious based on the title, why not? But if you’re looking for something in depth and philosophical, no, this holds nothing new.

Originally posted here.

[Carlos Liévano · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very well organized book, with enough breadth for an introductory compilation of concepts. But most importantly, it's an accessible must read. The last part of the book is too loose, suggesting more questions than answers, but still important and relevant questions.

[Pooja Kashyap · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Technological Singularity by Murray Shanahan hovers around a hypothetical event that is, a time in the future when AI has totally eclipsed human intelligence. What then?

There will be an exponential progress in technology that’ll create a future too difficult to predict.

Hollywood movie, Her, could become a reality as far as human relationships are concerned. Does that mean AI might provide companionship? Yes, and why not. But replacing human relationships, is doubtful.

Over-reliance on technology and a sedentary lifestyle could make humanity’s life somewhat like Pixar's WALL-E. These are just possible scenarios coming from the creative minds. Minds that like to explore the unchartered zones because technology is always work is progress.


More from my blog post: The Technological Singularity

[Aaron · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Technological Singularity by Murray Shanahan is the second book I’ve read from the MIT Press Essential Knowledge series, and I’ve enjoyed both titles. This one was published in 2015, so its take on future developments is understandably dated—it discusses tools like Siri but doesn’t necessarily anticipate the rise of large language models. The book covers a range of topics including possible paths to artificial intelligence, artificial general intelligence, and broader questions around intelligence itself, along with the ethical, political, and societal concerns that come with these advancements.

Although the singularity is in the title, it’s not the central focus. The book leans more toward exploring AI in general, how it might be created, and the consequences that might follow. I think it could’ve spent more time on the singularity concept specifically. Still, it’s an interesting read with a lot of good introductory material—though I found it a bit dry in places. Overall, it’s a solid overview of philosophical concerns surrounding AI, even if it’s now a decade out of date.

[Igor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Worth reading. In my case, listening.

[Lukasz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Książkę przesłuchałem w języku angielskim. Musiałem sprawdzić jak na język polski tłumaczy się pojęcie "singularity". Dotychczas większość materiałów na ten temat z którymi miałem styczność były anglojęzyczne, także mam pewien problem aby poukładać sobie myśli w głowie na ten temat w języku polskim.
"singularity" tłumaczy się na język polski jako "osobliwość". Pojęcie "singularity" czy też "osobliwości" ma swój początek w fizyce. Opisuje ono miejsce, moment w którym dochodzi do całkowitego załamania praw fizyki i cała rzeczywistość fizyczna jaką znamy przestaje być przewidywalna. W fizyce "osobliwość" istaniała w momencie wielkiego wybuchu, lub też istnieje w środku czarnej dziury. Naukowcy i filozofowie zajmujący się badaniem rozwoju technologicznego zapożyczyli sobie pojęcie "osobliwości" aby opisać moment w którym sztuczna inteligencja przerośnie inteligencję ludzką. Niniejsza książka właśnie jest zbiorem wszelkich informacji na temat "technologicznej osobliwości" i w bardzo fachowy sposób podsumowuje stan nauki na ten temat.

Dotychczasowy rozwój technologiczny wydaje się być łatwo przewidywalny. Na podstawie prostych funkcji matematycznych można przewidzieć kiedy sztuczne inteligencje, maszyny osiągną podobną moc obliczeniową co ludzki mózg. Jest kilka różnych teorii, większość z nich wskazuje na to iż technologiczna osobliwość zostanie osiądnięta w najbliższym czasie, w perspektywie 20-30 lat. To czysto matematyczne obliczenie oparte na dany historycznych wydaje się być dość logiczne. Jednak, prognoza oparta na danych historycznych to tylko jeden aspekt całego zjawiska. Autor książki podchwytuje tą prognozę i krok po kroku opisuje rzeczywisty stan rzeczy analizują prawdziwe fakty, tłumaczy czym jest sztuczna inteligencja, jakie rodzaje sztucznej inteligencji na dzień dzisiejszy istnieją i w jaki sposób te wielorakie sztuczne inteligencje mogłyby się dalej rozwijać. Bierze też pod uwagę prawa fizyki, wykonalność wyższych poziomów sztucznej inteligencji. Okazuje się, że prawo Moore'a oraz inne prawa fizyki mogą stanowić pewne ograniczenia w rozwoju sztucznych inteligencji, czego zwykła prognoza oparta na danych historycznych nie bierze pod uwagę.

Dla przykładu autor opisuje wykonalność stworzenia kopii sztucznego ludzkiego mózgu oraz ciała. Aby zobrazować tą ewentualność sztucznej inteligencji trzeba najpierw zrozumieć iż ludzki mózg ma niesamowitą moc obliczeniową przy czym jest energetycznie bardzo efektywny. Superkomputer mający moc obliczeniową mózgu musiałby się mieścić w mniej więcej pojemniku wielkości ludzkiej czaski, czyli 1200 cm sześciennych oraz pobierać nie więcej niż 20 Watów energii. Dziś największe superkomputery w niewielkim stopniu osiągają moc obliczeniową ludzkiego mózgu pobierając przy tym megawaty energii. Trudno sobie wyobrazić aby w najbliższych dwudziestu latach udałoby się stworzyć autonomiczną jednostkę, robota przypominającego ludzkie ciało posiadającego pojemność, moc obliczeniową mózgu ludzkiego. Z jednej strony najprostsze komputerowy czy smartphony zadziwiają nas swoją mocą obliczeniową, ale nie powinniśmy też nie doceniać naszego mózgu i naszej własnej inteligencji, elastyczności naszego mózgu. Nasz mózg równocześnie steruje naszym ciałem, mową, organami, myślami, zmysłami.

Zbudowanie sztucznej inteligencji na wzór ludzkiego ciała to tylko jeden z możliwych scenariuszy. Ciekawy scenariusz dotyczy sztucznej inteligencji opartej na wielkim superkomputerze którego działanie oparte jest na "chmurze". To rozwiązanie znamy dzisiaj z asystentów osobistych typu "Siri", "google go", "Cortana" czy "Alexa". Ta sztuczna inteligencja korzysta z siły obliczeniowej większych jednostek i w tym przypadku jej realizacja wydaje się być już bardziej bliższa biorąc pod uwagę stan rozwoju technologicznego jaki mamy dzisiaj.

Bardzo ciekawym fragmentem książki był fragment opisujący różne rodzaje algorytmów. W sumie sztuczna inteligencja to nic innego jak algorytmy. Algorytmy najczęściej dzisiaj wykorzystywane w sztucznej inteligencji mają swoje ograniczenia. Takim ograniczeniem jest tak zwane "przekleństwo wielowymiarowości" czy też szerokość i głębokość tak zwanych sztucznych sieci nerwowych. Ten ostatni rodzaj algorytmów wydaje się być dość obiecujący, jednak wymaga ogromnych sił obliczeniowych.

Bardzo ciekawym aspektem rozwoju sztucznej inteligencji jest wzmacnianie, motywacja rozwoju. Dotychczas algorytmy ulepszają się dzięki ingerencji człowieka. Algorytmy istniejące dzisiaj, owszem są w stanie się same ulepszać, ale mają wąskie pole zastosowania. Aby stać się porównywalne do zdolności ludzkich musiałyby wielokierunkowo poznawać świat, ulepszać się same z siebie pod każdym względem, percepcji świata, rzeczywistości, zdolności manualnych. Problem algorytmów jaki dziś istnieje, polega na tym, iż dotyczą jakiejść wąskiej dziedziny, na przykład gra w szachy. Algorytm który jest mistrzem szachowym musiałby równocześnie być w stanie rozróżniać wszystkie możliwe rasy psów, różne gatunki zwierząt, być w stanie prowadzić spontaniczną konwersację, tak jak to potrafi człowiek.

Pomijając kwestie rozwoju sztucznej inteligencji, jest to również temat etyczny, filozoficzny. Rozwój sztucznej inteligencji powoduje iż zawody które były uważane za "bezpieczne" i niemożliwe do zastąpienia przez maszyny dzisiaj dają się zastąpić przez maszyny. To nie jest futurologia, to jest rzeczywistość. Rozwój sztucznej inteligencji na pewno oznacza dla współczesnej gospodarki wielkie strukturalne zmiany, które na pewno będą się odbijać na rynku pracy. Istnieje ryzyko iż faktycznie dojdzie do wielkiego kryzysu gospodarczego, który spowoduje iż rzesze ludzi będą bezrobotne ze względu na rozwój sztucznej inteligencji, i to nawet rzesz ludzi posiadające wysokie kwalifikacje według dzisiejszych standardów. Sporo zależy od tego w jakim stopniu gospodarka będzie rozwijać się w sposób zrównoważony dla ludzi. Rozwój technologiczny na pewno wymaga od ludzi większej elastyczności i szybkiego dostosowywania się do nowych realiów. Rozwój sztucznej inteligencji nie musi oznaczać negatywnych skutków dla ludzi. Musi być odpowiednio pokierowany i regulowany.

Książka naprawdę godna polecenia i w świetny sposób wprowadza w temat "technologicznej osobliwości". Jest to bardzo złożone, skomplikowane zjawisko. Na pewno następne lata będą ciekawe pod tym względem, to jak sprawy się potoczą sporo zależy od nas samych. Podobnie było ze wzorem "e równa się em ce kwadrat". Człowiek wykorzystał tą wiedzę do stworzenia groźnej broni. Z drugiej strony odkrycie Einsteina przyczyniło się do wielkiego rozwoju cywilizacyjnego. Myślę, że podobnie jest ze sztuczną inteligencją. Jeśli człowiek w pożyteczny sposób będzie ją chciał wykorzystać, to na pewno przyczyni się do poprawy jakości życia wszystkich ludzi na kuli ziemskiej. Jeśli będzie chciał wykorzystać sztuczną inteligencje w złych celach to na pewno będzie źródłem cierpienia wielu ludzi.

[Keith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very clearly, though not always engagingly, presented. The first 1/3 or so seems written with your average fifth-grader in mind, but things improve from there. A solid introduction to the topic nonetheless and good prep for more intensive, speculative works on AI and cog sci generally.

[The Laughing Man · Rating 4 out of 5]

Essential Transhumanist Reading Here

Although a short book it discusses extremely important points, these points must be regarded with highest caution as we inch closer to transhumanist transcendence.

[Lucy · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5. Utterly fascinating. Some of the science totally went over my head in the beginning though, not gonna lie.

[Jeremy Walton · Rating 4 out of 5]

The man-machine
This is the latest of a series of volumes in the MIT Essential Knowledge series which I bought a few years ago in order to try and better understand contemporary technology. This book (published in 2015) looks at possibilities for a dramatic change in human life and affairs (the eponymous technological singularity) which could be brought about by significant advances in either artificial intelligence (AI) or nanotechnology, or both. Rather than making predictions (although the book's jacket suggests that the singularity could arrive in "the middle of the present century"), the author tries to investigate a range of future scenarios without any timescale in mind.

This is heady stuff, acknowledged to be more in (or to have originally come from) the realm of science fiction, and goes beyond what I'd vaguely thought of as early signs of the changes in our lives brought about by technical developments (e.g. smart phones, watches and cars, which are probably better discussed under "The Internet Of Things" - in fact, the title of the previous book I read from this series). It involves philosophical questions such as the nature of consciousness - i.e. the quality which humans possess, and which could - maybe - be manifest by an AI. There's a distinction between the "easy problem" - that is, the elucidation of "the mechanisms that underpin the cognitive capacities we associate with consciousness [which] manifest themselves in behaviour" [p133] - and the "hard problem", which is to explain how it is that we have subjective sensations and feelings. The suggestion is that, if we're only concerned about the impact the AI could have on society, that's part of the easy problem - i.e. it's enough for it to behave *as if* it were conscious, and had empathy towards humans. The determination of whether it has subjective feelings (i.e. the hard problem) would be required when considering whether we have a moral duty towards the entities we have created. This distinction - between the way the AI behaves (*as if* it had empathy) and what it really feels - is returned to on p148: "What actually matters is whether, like a true friend, it continues to act in the way we would like it to in the long run".

Later on, there's a discussion of mind uploading: the transfer of a human's personality (or - maybe - soul) into a computer. The notion of moving from an embodiment in atoms to one in bits is one I first came across in Neal Stephenson's Fall; or, Dodge in Hell, where he describes it as transitioning from Meatspace to Bitworld. Along with some of the technology for embodiment, this book looks at the philosophical aspects: is personal identity preserved in that transition? Is it analogous to a child growing into an adult? Of course, there are extra issues associated with life in Bitworld - for one thing, a perfect copy of the (representation of) person could be made.

The author emphasises that the advance of technology means that such questions are becoming more than just "philosopher's playthings" [p203]. He concludes with an analysis of a "superintelligent machine", including the way in which one could end up being inadvertently built by humanity, and the associated existential risks (trivially, this reminded me of David Bowie's song "Saviour Machine" from 1970).

A stimulating, well-written, account of a fascinating area of technology and its implications.

[Behrooz Parhami · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to the unabridged 6-hour audio version of this title (read by Tim Andres Pabon, Ascent Audio, 2015).

The notion of singularity shows up in multiple domains, including mathematics (discontinuity), cosmology (the Big Bang), and economics (near-total elimination of manual labor). Technological singularity refers to the point in time when AI surpasses humans in intelligence and thus other capabilities. We now have what might be called narrow AI, which is gradually broadening. The next step will be artificial general intelligence (AGI), which is estimated to arrive in a decade or so, in turn leading to singularity a decade later. The last step in this journey will be the achievement of mind-uploading and digital immortality.

I have read and reviewed Ray Kurtzweil’s two books on the subject, The Singularity Is Near and The Singularity Is Nearer:

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

In this broad-based but brief overview in MIT Press’s Essential Knowledge Series, Shanahan maintains that the notion of technological singularity has moved from the realm of science-fiction to serious debate, whether or not we agree with the various timelines proposed by AI researchers. A number of singularity theorists predict that if AI continues to develop at its current dizzying pace, the singularity could come about in the middle of the present century, beyond which we will experience an intelligence explosion. Shanahan discusses whole-brain simulation as a way of achieving AGI, noting that the simulation need not be in great detail for the results to be indistinguishable from natural intelligence.

Shanahan describes both biologically-inspired and built-from-scratch AI. He considers what the existence of super-intelligent machines could mean for such notions as personhood, responsibility, rights, and identity. Some super-human AI agents might be created to benefit humankind (envision a super-intelligent Siri), while some might go rogue (a la HAL of “2001: A Space Odyssey”). Thus, the singularity presents both an existential threat to humanity and an existential opportunity for humanity to transcend its limitations. We need to imagine both possibilities if we want to bring about the better outcome.

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book written by Murray Shanahan, The Technological Singularity, tackles with the idea that eventually there will be an AI rivaling and surpassing the human brain. Murray gives a very realistic approach on oh the different hurdles and how amazing the human brain is in reality, the singularity.
He puts it into perspectivity on no matter how powerful a computer may be the human’s brain can process more with, “ only a liter in volume and (astonishingly) consume just 20 W of power.”(36). Lightbulbs can take more energy than that. Murray goes into depth of what is the difference between a human mind and current AI, which is the ability to adapt. “For the skilled driver, pilot or operator, a machine can become an extension of the body”(40). Where humans can learn any problem is put in front of them. A human can adapt when AI current can’t create new solutions but have to cross reference with an external database. AI needs algorithms to be able to handle uncertainty.
Another point was Murray tells the reader that the terminator or space odyssey is a misinterpretation of dystopian society, but “society might come to accept that AI was conscious, especially if its brain conforms to biological blueprint”(182). We have given right to those that were seen low, like slaves, but overtime society abolished these ideas and now sees them as equal. Especially in out generation of leaps forward of equity for all of humankind with gay rights and feminism really pushing ideas today. Who says we won’t do that again when AI becomes sentient, it's up to future humanity to keep being more progressive.
Overall, I think the book was a really good read, but it is high-level reading. Some of the ideas are extreme, but he is avid on backing up his points. I’m now not a believer in the singularity, but I am now knowledgeable on the subject. If you are up to the task of reading a book for knowledge more than a fictional story then this is the book for you.

[Adam K · Rating 2 out of 5]

Murray Shanahan presents a comprehensive analysis of what a future with artificial intelligence looks like. Filled with thought experiments and philosophical and moral questions, The Technological Singularity examines AI closely, along with the implications it has for humanity.

However, my main issue with this book is that it seems to be unsteadily balanced between casual writing for the general public and academic text. It has a lot of interesting content that is directed towards people who are unfamiliar with its subject matter, but it is often written in a detached, aloof manner that may alienate the reader. I feel like Shanahan has found this strange middle spot where it is too simplistic for those who take a keen interest in this subject, but too cumbersome for those who are just being introduced to it.

To be frank, this book can be a slog, but if you are interested in AI and have very little knowledge of the subject, this may be a good overview for you (but maybe make this your second book after starting with something a little more engaging).

[Chance Lee · Rating 2 out of 5]

Either I knew less about the singularity than I thought I did or this book is already out of date four years after publication, but I found the majority of this essay to be a waste of time. The majority of the book presumes that the singularity will happen when full-brain emulation is achieved. In today's age of Big Data, it seems more likely that super-intelligent AI will be different than we can imagine human intelligence as being. Shanahan addresses this, but gives fewer pages to it than all the writing about emulating mouse brains. The rest of the book is philosophical pondering about ethics in AI, which is important to think about, but is written about better in the Robot book also from MIT Press. Weirdly the book doesn't mention the theory that we might already be living in a computer simulation. It comes right up to the brink but doesn't acknowledge it. May /we/ are the AI.

[Gina Herald · Rating 2 out of 5]

Yet another generic book that fails to recognize empathy does have a design that is as within the scope of neureconomics and the survival value of an expanded self therein as does supposed "selfishness." Yet anther book perpetuating the mere convention/false dichotomy of AI having nothing to do with the "programmer" other than the most rudimentary likeness given greater processing speed (as if this wouldn't tell us about ourselves at this speed) behaving just like their so heavily judged computer that can only grasp the internet and not the world around it. I found this the most funny, tickling ironic LOL I've yet read as of late.

[Isabelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The singularity" is a term that any science-fiction fan and/or computer scientist will have heard. I will confess that the definition and implications of it weren't that clear to me before starting this book. Shanahan does a very good job at defining it, considering how artificial general intelligence could possibly be achieved, how it can lead to singularity, and what could be the impact of this, considering both technical and philosophical questions, at a very accessible and pretty engaging level. A thoroughly interesting read - although it definitely adds to the general sense of World Anxiety instead of alleviating it ;)

[Amit Singh · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would rate it 4.65 :)
This book gave me brief and comprehensive introduction to various buzz and trending words and loved the thinking power of author of contemplating on topics such as AI. Which is just a considerably just in a child phase. Also he envisaged some about technological singularity, AI, Super intelligence and transhumanism. All in all super interesting but sometimes boring too as he goes so much depth envisaging about singularity that it doesn’t remain gripping enough the ‘terminologies used by author’ but at the same time I see its importance. And I am to get exposure to all this buzz words.

[Dan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just a second-hand repetition of the main arguments presented by Bostrom and Kurzweil. As with all these kinds of books, most of the content and the main argument for the “incoming singularity” is that the consequences will be so amazing or terrifying (and the author imaginates and presents them at extreme lengths) that we need to take this prospect quite seriously. In addition to this abundant science-fiction - popular theories of conscience, knowledge, intelligence, human nature, and so on that can be programmed are offered as building blocks of the “incoming singularity” and thus a pragmatic and future course is offered for the technological believers.

[Jan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Before I read this book, I had only read news articles about this topic. The book starts with basic concepts of how such a thing as superhuman AI can happen and then goes on with discussing the engineering details and finishes off with the concepts of consciousness, responsibility, ownership, identity. Since I'm not a big fan of science fiction books (something that might change soon), this book didn't go too far in that direction - it tries to keep it realistic by starting off with the current state of the art (mid 2010s) and extrapolating from there. I strongly recommend this book.

[pythag · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nothing too new here for those who've read books like Superintelligence by Nick Bostrom or Human Compatible by Stuart Russell. That said, however, Murray Shanahan at least writes well -- the book is well structured -- and asks loads of provocative questions. While this book is meant to be an introduction to such topics as AGI, whole brain emulation (WBE) and the myriad philosophical considerations surrounding each, I actually quite enjoyed reading is as way to probe my prior knowledge (from the books above).

[Amade · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am quite enthusiastic about the concept of singularity, and so far whatever book, article, video or podcast on the topic I got my hands on covered the optimistic visions of it. This book is a fantastic introduction to the darker side of AI, raising a ton of difficult questions. I am actually pretty surprised I finally found some convincing arguments on the dangers of AI and complex moral dilemmas we will have to face at some point. Recommended.

[Anthony O'Connor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Be afraid be very afraid

A good basic survey of the prospects for emerging super AIs. Not much on super augmented trans humans. A bit on the prospects of uploads. It’s all a bit tangled. But as the author makes clear we’re heading into uncharted territory. Let’s build something that will build something that will build something a thousand times smarter than every human that has ever lived combined. And let’s hope that it will act in our best interests. Yeah right.

[Agness.c · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very very interesting topic. The second part, covering some of the more philosophical questions about trans humanism and technological singularity was really provoking.

I would have liked to read more in-depth explorations of this area and the various positions/possibilities for developing means to keeping a super intelligent AI in check. Definitely a good primer and a book that sparked in me the wish to read more on this topic. Would be happy to receive recommendations if anyone has any!

[Sten Vesterli · Rating 5 out of 5]

MIT Press Essential Knowledge Series at its very best. Written by a Professor of Cognitive Robotics, it offers an thought-provoking view at how human-level artificial intelligence may come about, and how it might affect human life. Presenting a balanced viewpoint between scepticism and the sensationalist Ray Kurzweil school, it explains the current state of AI research and several possible futures. Those worried that AI will dominate humanity in the immediate future will take heart at the knowledge that we'll need at least another 1000 times faster computers to model the brain of a mouse, and at least another 1000 times faster computers after that to model a human brain. If you are interested in the far future of AI, you will find a lot of food for thought in this book.

[Sam · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book basically covers much of Kurzweil's "Singularity", and at the same time it is not such a tedious reading. Through the various think experiments, Shanahan ruminates about various risks, connected to the development of the super intelligent AI. If you are interested in AI, but have no idea about where its development will, possibly, lead the humanity, this is a nice introductory book.

[Alexis Bauer Kolak · Rating 4 out of 5]

A WAAAAAAY more accessible read on the consequences of AI and superintelligence development than Bostrom (though that could also be a result of what I absorbed from that book.) A great book if you're just getting started with your desire to never sleep again once you consider the existential implications of true AI development.

[Peter Aronson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a nice set of speculations -- There are so many unknown-unknowns here, it could be nothing else, and be honest. The biggest question mark is just what "superintellegence" is supposed to be -- it might not look like intellegence, but more so -- it might be something stranger. Or it might not exists. But an interesting little book that gives you a lot to think about.

[Luis Soares · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first four chapters present solid references and well-backed claims providing robust foundations for positioning readers beyond market hype and half-truths. Unfortunately, the following chapters draw too much on wishful thinking and potentialities difficult to withstand (even the) most cutting-edge research findings and promising endeavours.

[Javier · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book offers a variety of possible future scenarios related to advances in AI, a good source of plots for sci-fi novels. It raises several interesting questions but fails to provide an in-depth look to any of them. Not recommended for someone seeking a more technical approach to the problems presented hereby.

[Ankhbayar Tserenvandan · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a novice to the field of neuroscience and AI, this book did a solid ELI5 job introducing the basic concepts ranging from the singularity and how we've been trying to achieve self-thinking human-like computer intelligence.