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A review by adamsw216
The Technological Singularity by Murray Shanahan
2.0
Murray Shanahan presents a comprehensive analysis of what a future with artificial intelligence looks like. Filled with thought experiments and philosophical and moral questions, The Technological Singularity examines AI closely, along with the implications it has for humanity.
However, my main issue with this book is that it seems to be unsteadily balanced between casual writing for the general public and academic text. It has a lot of interesting content that is directed towards people who are unfamiliar with its subject matter, but it is often written in a detached, aloof manner that may alienate the reader. I feel like Shanahan has found this strange middle spot where it is too simplistic for those who take a keen interest in this subject, but too cumbersome for those who are just being introduced to it.
To be frank, this book can be a slog, but if you are interested in AI and have very little knowledge of the subject, this may be a good overview for you (but maybe make this your second book after starting with something a little more engaging).
However, my main issue with this book is that it seems to be unsteadily balanced between casual writing for the general public and academic text. It has a lot of interesting content that is directed towards people who are unfamiliar with its subject matter, but it is often written in a detached, aloof manner that may alienate the reader. I feel like Shanahan has found this strange middle spot where it is too simplistic for those who take a keen interest in this subject, but too cumbersome for those who are just being introduced to it.
To be frank, this book can be a slog, but if you are interested in AI and have very little knowledge of the subject, this may be a good overview for you (but maybe make this your second book after starting with something a little more engaging).