In 1950, Alan Turing, widely considered the father of theoretical computer science, published his seminal paper "Computing Machinery and Intelligence", posing the question: "Can machines think?". This groundbreaking work introduced the Turing Test, the first serious exploration of artificial intelligence in the realm of philosophy.
However, it wasn't until 1956 at a summer workshop at Dartmouth College in the United States that "Artificial Intelligence" formally emerged as an academic discipline. Since then, AI has experienced periods of both rapid progress and decline, often referred to as "AI winters". But the recent surge of generative AI marks a significant turning point, leading to widespread speculation about the potential impact of AI on individuals, societies, businesses, economies, and governments. This rapid advancement has also ignited important conversations surrounding ethical AI development and its responsible use.
To navigate this complex and fascinating landscape, we've curated a selection of insightful books and podcasts to help you delve deeper into the world of artificial intelligence.
Read:
"The Singularity Is Nearer: When We Merge with AI" by Ray Kurzweil | Viking
Bill Gates himself acknowledges Ray Kurzweil as a leading voice in predicting the future of artificial intelligence. A prolific inventor, Kurzweil's previous predictions about technological advancement in the 2005 edition of this book have largely come to fruition. This latest edition, "The Singularity is Nearer", offers a visionary, and mostly optimistic, exploration of how the exponential growth of technology will transform humanity in the coming decades.
Kurzweil posits that AI will reach human-level intelligence â superintelligence â by 2029, and by 2045 we will be able to directly connect our brains with AI â singularity â expanding our consciousness in ways we can barely imagine. Grounded in decades of meticulous research and persuasive logic, this book stands as Kurzweil's crowning contribution to the field of AI.
"Atlas of AI: Power, Politics, and the Planetary Costs of Artificial Intelligence" by Kate Crawford | Yale University Press
"Atlas of AI" provides a much-needed counterpoint to the hype surrounding AI, exposing its less glamorous aspects. Crawford, a leading scholar on the societal implications of AI, presents a powerful critique of Big Tech's exploitative practices, including the use of natural resources and human labour, the building of datasets without consent, and the training of AI systems on biased or inaccurate data.
This book transcends technology to offer a political perspective on how AI is reshaping the world. It delves into the ethical concerns of AI, revealing the hidden costs of this technology â from environmental damage to the exploitation of low-wage workers. Crawford argues that the AI revolution is driving society towards undemocratic governance and increased inequality.
"The Coming Wave: Technology, Power, and the Twenty-first Century's Greatest Dilemma" by Mustafa Suleyman & Michael Bhaskar | Crown
Mustafa Suleyman, the CEO of Microsoft AI and co-founder of DeepMind, one of the world's leading AI companies, offers an accessible and insightful guide to navigating the age of powerful, rapidly developing technologies. "The Coming Wave" explores the threats these technological forces pose to the global order and the nation-state, despite the immense prosperity they might enable.
The book focuses on the intertwined forces of AI and biotechnology, arguing that their convergence will have a profound impact on society and governments. Suleyman and Bhaskar confront the fundamental challenge of our time: how to contain the potential threat of AI while we still have the chance. While solutions may seem utopian, the book presents a deeply researched and pragmatically argued effort that serves as an important read around this existential dilemma.
"Co-Intelligence: Living and Working with AI" by Ethan Mollick | Portfolio
"Co-Intelligence" captures the essence of our evolving relationship with AI. Mollick, a Wharton professor specialising in entrepreneurship and innovation, offers a lucid and practical guide to navigating the revolution currently unfolding. This blueprint for success acts as an authoritative catalyst for mastering the skills and elevating the capabilities of any team or business.
Mollick explores the profound impact of AI on business and education, providing a comprehensive guide to current trends and future expectations. He delivers a definitive playbook with lucid explanations and practical examples of AI in action, ultimately advocating for harnessing the technology's evolving capabilities to build a more intelligent and humane future.
Listen:
"Machine Learning Street Talk"
Hosted by Tim Scarfe and Keith Duggar, both PhDs, "Machine Learning Street Talk" (MLST) explores the fascinating intersection of advanced AI, cognitive science, neuroscience, and philosophy of mind. The hosts engage in thought-provoking discussions and in-depth analysis with prominent figures in the field of AI.
Initially focusing more on engineering, the podcast has shifted towards a more theoretical approach in recent years. Scarfe's weekend project has become one of the top AI podcasts on Spotify, reflecting the growing interest in this field.
"Eye on AI"
New York Times correspondent Craig S. Smith hosts this biweekly podcast exploring the transformative impact of AI on our world. Each episode features a conversation with a leading AI researcher or expert, delving into questions listeners may have about this rapidly evolving field.
I highly recommend episode #201, featuring a conversation with Danny Halawi, a PhD student at UC Berkeley. They discuss the emerging field of AI forecasting, exploring how large language models (LLMs) are being used to predict future events with remarkable accuracy, rivalling human forecasters and prediction markets.
"Me, Myself, and AI"
Created by Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and MIT Sloan Management Review and hosted by Sam Ransbotham and Shervin Khodabandeh, this podcast series examines the use of AI in business, covering strategy, deployment, human-and-machine collaboration, and scaling.
Each episode features a leading practitioner who shares actionable insights on achieving success with AI within their organisations. Be sure to check out the episode titled "AI Hype and Scepticism", where Nobel Prize-winning economist Paul Romer debunks some myths about the hype surrounding AI and predicts that education will be the technology's most promising future.
Bonus: Watch
"AI Tipping Point" (Curiosity Stream documentary)
This documentary features top experts discussing the potential impact of AI on the world, exploring both the perceived threat to humanity and its potential to solve global challenges. The film highlights the ethical implications of AI development and the importance of ensuring that AI benefits all of humanity.
"AI supremacy: The artificial intelligence battle between China, USA and Europe" (DW production)
This documentary explores the global race for AI supremacy between China, the United States, and Europe. It examines the rapid advancements in AI and their economic and geopolitical implications, showcasing the intense competition for dominance in research and development.
Featuring interviews with experts, researchers, and industry leaders, the film discusses the challenges and opportunities presented by AI, as well as the ethical concerns surrounding its development. It raises important questions about potential job displacement, privacy issues, and the overall impact of AI on society.
By engaging with these books, podcasts, and documentaries, you can gain a deeper understanding of the complex world of AI, its potential, and its impact on our future.