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The Future Computed: Artificial Intelligence and its Role in Society
“AI will enable breakthrough advances in areas like healthcare, agriculture, education and transportation. It’s already happening in impressive ways. But as we’ve witnessed over the past 20 years, new technology also inevitably raises complex questions and broad societal concerns.” – Brad Smith and Harry Shum on The Future Computed.
“As we look to a future powered by a partnership between computers and humans, it’s important that we address these challenges head on. How do we ensure that AI is designed and used responsibly? How do we establish ethical principles to protect people? How should we govern its use? And how will AI impact employment and jobs?” – Brad Smith and Harry Shum on The Future Computed.
As Artificial Intelligence shows up in every aspect of our lives, Microsoft's top minds provide a guide discussing how we should prepare for the future. Whether you're a government leader crafting new laws, an entrepreneur looking to incorporate AI into your business, or a parent contemplating the future of education, this book explains the trends driving the AI revolution, identifies the complex ethics and workforce issues we all need to think about and suggests a path forward.
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The Future Computed: Artificial Intelligence and its role in society provides Microsoft’s perspective on where AI technology is going and the new societal issues it is raising – ensuring AI is designed and used responsibly, establishing ethical principles to protect people, and how AI will impact employment and jobs. The principles of fairness, reliability and safety, privacy and security, inclusiveness, transparency and accountability are critical to addressing the societal impacts of AI and building trust as AI becomes more and more a part of the products and services that people use at work and at home every day.
A central theme in The Future Computed is that for AI to deliver on its potential drive widespread economic and social progress, the technology needs to be human-centered – combining the capabilities of computers with human capabilities to enable people to achieve more. But a human-centered approach can only be realized if researchers, policymakers, and leaders from government, business and civil society come together to develop a shared ethical framework for AI. This in turn will help foster responsible development of AI systems that will engender trust. Because in an increasingly AI-driven world the question is not what computers can do, it is what computers should do.
The Future Computed also draws a few conclusions as we chart our path forward. First, the companies and countries that will fare best in the AI era will be those that embrace these changes rapidly and effectively. Second, while AI will help solve big societal problems, we must look to this future with a critical eye as there will be challenges as well as opportunities. Third, we need to act with a sense of shared responsibility because AI won’t be created by the tech sector alone. Finally, skilling-up for an AI-powered world involves more than science, technology, engineering and math. As computers behave more like humans, the social sciences and humanities will become grow in importance.
“As we look to a future powered by a partnership between computers and humans, it’s important that we address these challenges head on. How do we ensure that AI is designed and used responsibly? How do we establish ethical principles to protect people? How should we govern its use? And how will AI impact employment and jobs?” – Brad Smith and Harry Shum on The Future Computed.
As Artificial Intelligence shows up in every aspect of our lives, Microsoft's top minds provide a guide discussing how we should prepare for the future. Whether you're a government leader crafting new laws, an entrepreneur looking to incorporate AI into your business, or a parent contemplating the future of education, this book explains the trends driving the AI revolution, identifies the complex ethics and workforce issues we all need to think about and suggests a path forward.
Read more:
The Future Computed: Artificial Intelligence and its role in society provides Microsoft’s perspective on where AI technology is going and the new societal issues it is raising – ensuring AI is designed and used responsibly, establishing ethical principles to protect people, and how AI will impact employment and jobs. The principles of fairness, reliability and safety, privacy and security, inclusiveness, transparency and accountability are critical to addressing the societal impacts of AI and building trust as AI becomes more and more a part of the products and services that people use at work and at home every day.
A central theme in The Future Computed is that for AI to deliver on its potential drive widespread economic and social progress, the technology needs to be human-centered – combining the capabilities of computers with human capabilities to enable people to achieve more. But a human-centered approach can only be realized if researchers, policymakers, and leaders from government, business and civil society come together to develop a shared ethical framework for AI. This in turn will help foster responsible development of AI systems that will engender trust. Because in an increasingly AI-driven world the question is not what computers can do, it is what computers should do.
The Future Computed also draws a few conclusions as we chart our path forward. First, the companies and countries that will fare best in the AI era will be those that embrace these changes rapidly and effectively. Second, while AI will help solve big societal problems, we must look to this future with a critical eye as there will be challenges as well as opportunities. Third, we need to act with a sense of shared responsibility because AI won’t be created by the tech sector alone. Finally, skilling-up for an AI-powered world involves more than science, technology, engineering and math. As computers behave more like humans, the social sciences and humanities will become grow in importance.
143 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 9, 2018
53 people are currently reading
689 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
April 1, 2018
To be honest, I was quite disappointed. As Microsoft use this as kind of promotion, I think it does more the contrary. Not totally bad, but not many new ideas ob the topic. Quite boring.
February 12, 2020
This book has a lot of "We should do < broad topic that people versed in AI ethics knows we should do >" without getting specific. It's a pretty short book, so I guess I should have realized it's not going deep on topics with actionable plans. It read like Microsoft's propaganda contribution to how policy should be formed as AI is increasingly used by large tech companies.
There were gaps in the book, such as mentioning the *already happening* examples of AI systems perpetuating race and gender biases, to very harmful effect. The thing is, there is a whole section on fairness and AI, which makes the very good point that people need to understand the limitations of AI, instead of assuming that an AI's decision making is somehow more fair than a human's. However, this section is frustratingly vague and never calls out specific examples, such as AI setting bail higher for Black defendants due to training on data informed by racist policing.
I found a 20 page section at the end about the gig economy and benefits the most interesting. I think it's interesting how the authors weren't explicit about what the benefits are, like using the phrase "health insurance".
Overall this is a good primer on basic AI ethics topics, if you're looking for a pretty broad overview from a company that has a huge monetary interest in the public opinion being positive on AI. Also, good to note that the book assumes that the reader agrees that AI is a super useful tool that should be deployed often, and in many sectors. Some may find the imaginary future sketched out in the first chapter chilling rather than exciting, as the authors probably intended.
There were gaps in the book, such as mentioning the *already happening* examples of AI systems perpetuating race and gender biases, to very harmful effect. The thing is, there is a whole section on fairness and AI, which makes the very good point that people need to understand the limitations of AI, instead of assuming that an AI's decision making is somehow more fair than a human's. However, this section is frustratingly vague and never calls out specific examples, such as AI setting bail higher for Black defendants due to training on data informed by racist policing.
I found a 20 page section at the end about the gig economy and benefits the most interesting. I think it's interesting how the authors weren't explicit about what the benefits are, like using the phrase "health insurance".
Overall this is a good primer on basic AI ethics topics, if you're looking for a pretty broad overview from a company that has a huge monetary interest in the public opinion being positive on AI. Also, good to note that the book assumes that the reader agrees that AI is a super useful tool that should be deployed often, and in many sectors. Some may find the imaginary future sketched out in the first chapter chilling rather than exciting, as the authors probably intended.
January 19, 2018
Interesting point of view. More or less things that we already know and expect, but good to place together with the ethical approach.
I think is just a book to make people to embrace further A.I. and get familiar with the opportunities that will be given if used correctly.
I think is just a book to make people to embrace further A.I. and get familiar with the opportunities that will be given if used correctly.
April 17, 2018
Great summary! 6 key principles of AI described in simple language, bringing relevance to society and humanity. Also chapter 3, the future workforce having to be life long learning. Well articulated and of course great marketing towards Microsoft product. Must read for technologist.
April 6, 2018
https://msblob.blob.core.windows.net/...
Narrow & function specific vs Singularity
Eg mobile only banks => social shift for unbanked
Broad principles:
1 algorithm procedures are transparent & explicable rather than rogue black box. Drive trust.
2 removal of human biases
3 safety. Hippocratic oath for AI
World today vs 1998
Smart phone vs newspapers/TV
Social media
AI to decide/recommend what you’re most interested in
AI = perception + cognition
Steno app
Skype translator
H0: Data is the new oil in the digital age
Unintended consequences
Consumer credit was invented to finance purchase of new autos
Advertising & billboards
Could decline of horses have led to the Great Depression?
What jobs can AI replace?
Radiology & truck drivers (vision + analysis + decision making)
Call centers (speech + analysis + decision making)
Fast food order taker
Translator (language)
mc inspection & learning
Seeing AI app
What jobs will AI create?
Augmented reality =>virtual space architect
Narrow & function specific vs Singularity
Eg mobile only banks => social shift for unbanked
Broad principles:
1 algorithm procedures are transparent & explicable rather than rogue black box. Drive trust.
2 removal of human biases
3 safety. Hippocratic oath for AI
World today vs 1998
Smart phone vs newspapers/TV
Social media
AI to decide/recommend what you’re most interested in
AI = perception + cognition
Steno app
Skype translator
H0: Data is the new oil in the digital age
Unintended consequences
Consumer credit was invented to finance purchase of new autos
Advertising & billboards
Could decline of horses have led to the Great Depression?
What jobs can AI replace?
Radiology & truck drivers (vision + analysis + decision making)
Call centers (speech + analysis + decision making)
Fast food order taker
Translator (language)
mc inspection & learning
Seeing AI app
What jobs will AI create?
Augmented reality =>virtual space architect
April 12, 2018
AI and who needs it?
Illuminating from one who too old for the skills, but still interested . Am I still relevant?
Needs three more words.
Illuminating from one who too old for the skills, but still interested . Am I still relevant?
Needs three more words.
February 14, 2018
It gives good examples of how AI is already revolutionising healthcare and other industries. It makes pragmatic predictions on where AI may be headed and the stresses the importance of identifying bias in datasets while training any algorithm. With the proliferation of AI, job tasks will change or be replaced with new types of roles. Governments will need to be prepared to retrain citizens in new areas of expertise.
It challenges readers to consider the ethical aspects of AI. Microsoft suggests AI developers abide by a Hippocratic Oath to prevent discrimination or other harmful misuse. Policy makers will need to consider new laws to prevent the abuse. Responsible implementation of AI can enhance inclusivity and trust in the technology.
The Ethics of AI is recommended to be founded on...
- Fairness
- Reliability & Safety
- Privacy & Security
- Inclusiveness
- Transparency
- Accountability
I found this book easy to read and enjoyed thinking about the questions it poses. The technology is still maturing so it comes at the right time for us to begin considering the potential ethical aspects and affects on society.
As a whole AI is expected to augment our capabilities and enable us to live richer, healthier lives and help us to achieve more.
It challenges readers to consider the ethical aspects of AI. Microsoft suggests AI developers abide by a Hippocratic Oath to prevent discrimination or other harmful misuse. Policy makers will need to consider new laws to prevent the abuse. Responsible implementation of AI can enhance inclusivity and trust in the technology.
The Ethics of AI is recommended to be founded on...
- Fairness
- Reliability & Safety
- Privacy & Security
- Inclusiveness
- Transparency
- Accountability
I found this book easy to read and enjoyed thinking about the questions it poses. The technology is still maturing so it comes at the right time for us to begin considering the potential ethical aspects and affects on society.
As a whole AI is expected to augment our capabilities and enable us to live richer, healthier lives and help us to achieve more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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March 5, 2018Besides the obvious breathtaking innovation, what's interesting is what it talks about the future of jobs and social security nets. I've always envision the future where people wouldn't slave away 8hrs per day in a fixed timeframe in a fixed place and spend most of their time doing repetitive tasks but would have flexible hours to be more creative and do more meaningful things. It's not too far away.
March 10, 2018
The book is quite philosophical and discusses primarily the impact of Artificial Intelligence on society while promoting Microsoft and LinkedIn. It's quite superficial and it does go into any details specifically about Artificial Intelligence.
January 21, 2018
Good overview of the field. Some inspiring examples, but with good frameworks for building fair systems. Hopefully this is all considered by businesses and policy makers everywhere.
February 13, 2020
Artificial Intelligence may be the key to the great future predicted by so many science fiction books. It can lead to better medical care, medicines, DNA testing, and longer life. It can lead to improved living, working and playing conditions. It can lead to better government, individualized instruction in schools, improved communication, space travel, and a near utopian society. It can also lead to loss of privacy, loss of jobs, loss of individualism, and loss of freedom.
The Future Computed is a piece of propaganda prepared by Microsoft. However, do not let that keep you from reading it - just keep alert. This book contains some great information, important insights, and dire warnings. There is a lot of information about what AI really is, how AI differs from Automations, how careful we need to be in creating the algorithms that it based upon, and the moral, legal, and economic pitfalls we need to avoid. There are also some interesting historical notes and corollaries to the the first, second, and third industrial revolutions.
Used carefully, while there will be a number of bumps during the transition, AI can lead to a much better tomorrow for all of us. Of course, any tool created by humans can be used for evil as well as good - just think of Dr. Alfred Nobel who you might associate with the Nobel prizes but whose obituary referred to him as the “merchant of death”. This book is a great place to start you off on learning about the world that is just around the corner.
The Future Computed is a piece of propaganda prepared by Microsoft. However, do not let that keep you from reading it - just keep alert. This book contains some great information, important insights, and dire warnings. There is a lot of information about what AI really is, how AI differs from Automations, how careful we need to be in creating the algorithms that it based upon, and the moral, legal, and economic pitfalls we need to avoid. There are also some interesting historical notes and corollaries to the the first, second, and third industrial revolutions.
Used carefully, while there will be a number of bumps during the transition, AI can lead to a much better tomorrow for all of us. Of course, any tool created by humans can be used for evil as well as good - just think of Dr. Alfred Nobel who you might associate with the Nobel prizes but whose obituary referred to him as the “merchant of death”. This book is a great place to start you off on learning about the world that is just around the corner.
June 3, 2020
The Microsoft Book unfolds with a positive statement informing that AI and technologies mean to supplement human capabilities in data analysis and processing. Threats from AI do exist though as technology advance along human evolution. Designed to capture human experiences in data, AI is also subject to racism, sexism, and chauvinism. This tech vulnerability becomes of critical importance when it comes to medical treatment, loan applications and employment. Privacy in the virtual space is another sensitive topic. Interlinkage of applications and use of cryptology tools for personal credentials go hand-in-hand with the misuse, hacking and tampering of private data. Economy is also affected. The new model of on-demand economy established work as part-time or remote from home office. The nature of job becomes more task-based demanding workforce on a contract for a definite period of time. These changes prompt to formulate policies regarding new working conditions and workers' social protection. In conclusion, the authors encourage cross-departmental education, that is engineer's learn about the arts to enrich their emotional intelligence and build psychological skills whereas the students of the humanities in parallel get a degree in IT and master digital skills to manage innovations coming with AI.
January 25, 2024
AI and it’s impact
I liked how Microsoft is setting a great example to the commercial sector to take social and economic responsibility for AI specifically and technological innovations in general. I would recommend this book to legislators, corporate executives, the education establishment, and young people around the world. I gave this book the highest rating due to manner in which it addressed this important content. Thank you.
I liked how Microsoft is setting a great example to the commercial sector to take social and economic responsibility for AI specifically and technological innovations in general. I would recommend this book to legislators, corporate executives, the education establishment, and young people around the world. I gave this book the highest rating due to manner in which it addressed this important content. Thank you.
May 29, 2018
I read the Kindle edition of this book.
I spent $10 on this book, and wouldn't recommend anyone do that. Although there is some good points raised, and I especially like the 6 key principles, the book is too long by half. Microsoft spent a lot of time discussing the gig economy (things like driving for Uber) and how to take care of those employees. That section was irrelevant to the premise of the book, and very American-centric.
If you are interested in AI, I would say its worth the two hours to read the free PDF download from Microsoft's site. https://blogs.microsoft.com/blog/2018...
I spent $10 on this book, and wouldn't recommend anyone do that. Although there is some good points raised, and I especially like the 6 key principles, the book is too long by half. Microsoft spent a lot of time discussing the gig economy (things like driving for Uber) and how to take care of those employees. That section was irrelevant to the premise of the book, and very American-centric.
If you are interested in AI, I would say its worth the two hours to read the free PDF download from Microsoft's site. https://blogs.microsoft.com/blog/2018...
February 24, 2021
though there were some interesting thoughts on the pillars of responsible AI development, unemployment, privacy, and more and i loved the Microsoft flex of it all for me this fell short. No earth shattering new or rethought concepts on AI here would likely be more enjoyable as a fully introductory start to AI read
February 16, 2020
Very down to earth, easy to read but also not very detailed. This may be a nice, gentle intro to practical issues concerning AI (data privacy, effects on job market) for people who are not familiar with the subject. Think about it as a long, accessible brochure rather than a literary work.
June 19, 2018
It's not bad, but boring.
August 28, 2022
The book itself doesn't offer anything new, per se. It is just an overview of some of the most pressing issues around adoption of AI in business, and its impact on jobs, and society at large.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews