Computer Intelligence: With Us or Against Us?

by William Meisel

Computer Intelligence (CI) is the combination of computer power and the increasingly sophisticated software which that power makes possible. CI has an ever-increasing impact on human society, the economy, and how we fight wars. Artificial Intelligence is a recent innovation with both an impressive impact and concerns over its dangers, but it is simply a tipping point in the evolution of CI. AI techniques are practical because CI passed a threshold of performance that made its methods computationally feasible. Such breakthroughs have occurred in the past, and will continue at an accelerating pace. CI's growth will continue to impact society, change the nature of our economy, and change warfare, with cyberwarfare the critical battleground. Computer technology is embedded in modern life to an extent that was unimaginable a half-century ago. Where it will be fifty years from now is similarly difficult to predict. Today's society depends on CI. Infrastructure such as the electric grids that power our homes and businesses are controlled automatically by computers and digital technology. Human communications are driven by digital networks, including the increasingly important role of mobile phones. Our dependence on computer technology is unfortunately too often made evident today when malicious cyberattacks impact business operations, our security, and even politics. Computer intelligence has long augmented human intelligence, providing tools that let us do things well beyond our native human abilities. Computers have long done arithmetic faster and more accurately than any human and have bigger and more reliable memories. We expand our intelligence with the aid of such common software as spreadsheet programs and spelling checkers in word processing programs. Computers have always been tools that expanded human abilities, and they are continuing to do so. A core reason for the growing power of computer technology is faster computer processing and more memory. Today, that fundamental trend is being accelerated by options such as cloud computing and specialized chips. CI also requires invention in the methodology that the software executes. AI techniques such as "machine learning" using "deep neural networks" are an advance in such methodology. Such improvements add power to CI by adding to the things it can do, not just how fast it can do them. The utility of these methods, however, can depend on CI being powerful enough to make them practical. This growing power can also create problems. The increase in propaganda and misinformation on the Web and in social media and the danger of hacking and cyberattacks are but two of many issues. This book discusses the history, current state, and future of Computer Intelligence. With its growing impact on our lives and society, it behooves us to understand computer intelligence more deeply, both to take full advantage of the technology and to avoid potential dangers. Exploration of how Computer Intelligence advanced to where it is today and how it is likely to evolve helps in understanding a difficult topic. This book makes computer technology less mysterious and less obscure. CI will impact us at an increasing rate, and understanding it will help us control its evolution. Meisel explores if Computer Intelligence is indeed With Us or Against Us.

296 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 3, 2019

About the author

William (“Bill”) Meisel’s experience combines a strong academic, technical, and business background. With a B.S. degree in Engineering from Caltech and a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Southern California, he began his career as a professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at USC. He has published over 70 papers and several books, including a technical book, Computer-Oriented Approaches to Pattern Recognition. He was the editor and a contributor to New Components and Subsystems for Digital Design; VUI Visions: Expert Views on Effective Voice User Interface Design; Speech in the User Interface: Lessons from Experience; The Software Society: Cultural and Economic Impact (2013), and Technically Dead (2015).

After working in university research, Dr. Meisel launched and managed the Computer Science Division of an aerospace company, applying pattern recognition technology to a number of application areas, including target detection and intelligence data analysis. He then founded a venture-capital-backed speech recognition company and ran it for ten years. He has been issued six patents in various areas of technology. Currently, as an industry analyst, he publishes a paid-subscription, no-ads monthly industry newsletter, Speech Strategy News, on commercial developments in speech technology and natural language interpretation. He also authors a blog, Meisel-on-Mobile. As Executive Director of the Applied Voice Input Output Society (AVIOS), a non-profit industry organization, he creates the program for AVIOS’s annual Mobile Voice Conference.

Reviews

[Adeleke Inioluwa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an engaging and thought provoking read that captures attention from the very first page. The author does a wonderful job of weaving together interesting ideas, relatable characters, and a strong sense of purpose. The writing is clear, the pacing is smooth, and the themes are meaningful, leaving readers with plenty to reflect on.

Whether you’re reading for entertainment, inspiration, or knowledge, this book offers something valuable. It’s well crafted and enjoyable, making it a great addition to any reader’s collection.

[P.J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Computer Intelligence: With Us or Against Us? is a clear and thoughtful look at how AI and modern computing shape our world. William Meisel explains the technology in simple terms while highlighting both its promise and its dangers. It’s a quick, insightful read for anyone who wants to understand where computer intelligence is headed and how it affects our everyday lives.

[Mayor. K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Computer Intelligence: With Us or Against Us? is a compelling and insightful journey into the world of AI. William Meisel’s clear and thoughtful analysis made this one of the most impactful reads of the year. Our discussions at Thought Provoking Book Club were rich and eye-opening a true must-read for anyone curious about technology’s role in our lives.

[Iyiolap · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book blends rigorous thinking with accessible explanations, making complex concepts easy to understand without oversimplifying. Meisel challenges readers to think critically about the future of intelligence and human autonomy. At Thought Provoking Book Club, it sparked some of our most meaningful conversations yet.

[L L · Rating 5 out of 5]

William Meisel has crafted a narrative that balances optimism with caution, urging us to consider how AI will shape society. Every chapter broadened my perspective. Our members at Thought Provoking Book Club found ourselves thinking differently about the technologies shaping our world long after we closed the book.

[Alicia Seifert · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is both informative and intellectually stimulating. Meisel writes with clarity and purpose, guiding readers through ethical, social, and technical challenges of computer intelligence. Thought Provoking Book Club unanimously agreed: this is essential reading for anyone who wants to understand where humanity is heading.

[Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Computer Intelligence: With Us or Against Us? stands out as one of the best books on artificial intelligence for a general audience. Meisel’s perspective is balanced, engaging, and backed with insight. Our group at Thought Provoking Book Club recommended it to friends and family, it’s that impactful.

[Rodiat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed computer intelligence: with us or Against us?! Your writing is engaging and insightful, and the way you explore [theme/aspect] is thought-provoking. This book shows great depth and creativity looking forward to seeing more of your work!

[Thought Provoking! · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gripping exploration of AI ethics that left me questioning what ‘intelligence’ really means. Our club had one of our most lively debates yet.

[Victor Olasunkanmi · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book masterfully blends science, philosophy, and practical examples. I kept pausing to reflect and that’s the hallmark of a great discussion read.

[Victor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I appreciated how the author avoids doomsday sensationalism while still acknowledging real risks. It sparked nuanced conversations rather than fear.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks for featuring this book at our book club.
I highly recommend it

[Hellen]

This book left us with lots of questions even after the feature still going back to it.

[Sarah Johnson]

The way you connected theory to real-world applications kept me engaged from start to finish

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Meisel delivers a clear, fast read on how rising computer intelligence is shaping society, blending history, technology, and future impact in a way that’s easy to understand and thought-provoking.

[Lisa T · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice book 👍. All thanks to Forest City book club

[Booksphere Promotion · Rating 5 out of 5]

Computer Intelligence: With Us or Against Us challenged our book club to rethink whether technology is a partner in progress or a quiet competitor shaping our future.