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Our Final Invention

Artificial Intelligence and the End of the Human Era
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( 3,872 ratings, 475 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Our Final Invention by James Barrat explores the potential dangers and ethical implications of artificial intelligence. The author investigates how advanced AI could surpass human intelligence, leading to risks and challenges for our survival. Through interviews with experts and a thorough analysis, Barrat raises important questions about the future of AI and humanity's role in it.
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you're intrigued by artificial intelligence and its potential implications for humanity. It explores the possible dangers of advanced AI, providing a thought-provoking perspective on technological advancements and their impact on our future.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

An urgent study of the history, science and existential dangers of Artificial Intelligence, named by Elon Musk as one of the five books everyone should read about the future.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

I wish it was science fiction, but I know it's not

Jaan Tallinn, co-founder of Skype

'If you read just one book that makes you confront scary high-tech realities that we'll soon have no choice but to address, make it this one'

Washington Post

'The best book yet written on the most important problem of the twenty-first century'

Luke Muehlhauser, Executive Director, Machine Intelligence Research Institute

'Science fiction has long explored the implications of humanlike machines, but Barrat's thoughtful treatment adds a dose of reality'

Science News

Corporations and government agencies around the world have for years been pouring billions into achieving AI's Holy Grail - human-level intelligence.

Once AI has attained it, scientists argue, it will have survival drives much like our own. We may be forced to compete with a rival more cunning, more powerful, and more alien than we can imagine.

First published ten years ago, Our Final Invention predicted much of the artificial 'intelligence explosion' that is now ripping through our culture. Now with an urgent new preface, James Barrat's landmark work explores the ethics, history and future perils of the heedless pursuit of advanced AI.

Until now, human intelligence has had no rival. Can we coexist with beings whose intelligence dwarfs our own? And will they allow us to?

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Our Final Invention by James Barrat is praised for its compelling and thought-provoking examination of the risks posed by advanced artificial intelligence. Many reviews highlight the book's thrilling narrative and its important message, comparing it to significant works like Silent Spring. Experts and critics alike commend Barrat for his thorough research and articulate presentation of the challenges and dangers associated with AI, making it a crucial and engaging read for anyone interested in the future of technology.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781529434620

Publisher: Quercus Publishing

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 20 July 2023

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Quercus Publishing

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 26.0mm

Width: 130.0mm

Height: 196.0mm

Weight: 250g

Pages: 352

About the Author

James Barrat is a documentary filmmaker who's written and produced films for National Geographic, Discovery, PBS, and many other broadcasters in the United States and Europe. He lives near Washington, DC with his wife and two children.

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