We are already living in the future. Artificial intelligence is playing an even-greater role in society: from the 'weaponization' of software to the possibility of a post-antibiotic age. The Sentient Machine is the perfect guide to this brave new world. Amir Husain outlines the history behind artificial intelligence from the creation myth of Frankenstein to the advances made by technology innovators such as Elon Musk. Amir Husain asks the essential question: what is the future for humanity in a world that is dominated by machines? Will machines solve all human problems or will they lead us down a dystopian path to human irrelevance? Husain asks what will be the consequences - from job losses, our future, to the existential questions. How are we intelligent, what constitutes progress, how can AI bring us to "the good life"? How can humans prevent ceding decisions to the network of autonomous systems that increasingly surround us? One of the world's leading technologists looks at our future as we are on the cusp of a second Big Bang, when machines can think independently from us. Will the increasing role of artificial intelligence heal or harm our society? In The Sentient Machine, Amir Husain addresses complex computer science concepts in plain language and illustrates his points drawing on a wide variety of cultural and historical references. This is an accessible guide to a fascinating subject. A book that could be adopted onto computer science courses, and some philosophy courses.
