Artificial Intelligence

This book is part of a new series entitled what everyone needs to know. It is an excellent overview informed by the author's own viewpoint while setting out the issues in an impartial fashion. The format means that each chapter is divided into questions that form its subsections. They are just the kind of questions that an intelligent enquirer would ask. He covers definitions, the history and philosophy of the field, law, then the impacts of artificial intelligence on human labour and social equity, ending with a discussion of possible future impacts. Kaplan is sceptical of the wilder claims of AI advocates, but does point out that there are many functions that are better and more rapidly performed by machines. Interestingly, his own view on the will and consciousness leads him (on the basis that brain produces consciousness) to the conclusion that either people and computers can free will or neither can – although he does not think that the notion of consciousness can be applied to machines. The chapter on the impact of artificial intelligence on human labour is a fascinating one, citing a study from the Oxford Martin School from 2013 concluding that 47% of today's jobs are at high risk of automation, and another 19% at medium risk. One hyped concern is the possibility of runaway super intelligence, which the author regards as pretty remote and speculative. However, he does recommend the establishment of professional and ethical standards for the development and testing of intelligent systems. In addition, the employment trends require urgent attention in view of the large numbers of young people – especially the unskilled – unable to find work. This may require a wholesale redesign of our economic systems.