J Storrs Hall

Beyond AI

The idea of a robot turning on it's creator is popular in fiction, but how likely is this scenario in reality? In Beyond AI: Creating the Conscience of the Machine J Storrs Hall looks at where Artificial Intelligence is going, and at what we should do to ensure that it is beneficial to humanity.

Hall looks at some of the history of AI, showing how creating machines to imitate humans often turns out to be much harder than expected. But computer power is increasing all of the time, and he argues that sooner or later computers will have a level of ability exceeding that of a human. He looks at some of the tasks that need to be mastered by such a computer, such as understanding human language, and discusses some of the ways that this might be implemented - does everything need to be put into the program at the start, or could the program learn in the same way as we do? Hall goes on to look at what the future is likely to bring, and at how we will fit in when machines are able to run everything for us (or for them). The book concludes with a discussion of how we might give artificial intelligences a moral sense, and at what status we should ascribe to them when we do so.

There's a lot of material in this book, but I found it to be something of a jumble, although it isn't particularly technical. I wouldn't recommend it to those wanting a straightforward overview of the possible futures of AI. It would be of more benefit to those who are interested in the subject and want to tap into Hall's extensive mine of ideas.

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Hardcover 408 pages
ISBN: 1591025117
Salesrank: 104560
Weight:1.4 lbs

Published: 2007 Prometheus Books

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Hardcover 408 pages
ISBN: 1591025117
Salesrank: 242173
Weight:1.4 lbs

Published: 2007 Prometheus Books

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Hardcover 408 pages
ISBN: 1591025117
Salesrank: 220390
Weight:1.4 lbs

Published: 2007 PROMETHEUS BOOKS

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Product Description
Artificial intelligence (AI) is now advancing at such a rapid clip that it has the potential to transform our world in ways both exciting and disturbing. Computers have already been designed that are capable of driving cars, playing soccer, and finding and organizing information on the Web in ways that no human could. With each new gain in processing power, will scientists soon be able to create supercomputers that can read a newspaper with understanding, or write a news story, or create novels, or even formulate laws? And if machine intelligence advances beyond human intelligence, will we need to start talking about a computer's intentions? These are some of the questions discussed by computer scientist J. Storrs Hall in this fascinating layperson's guide to the latest developments in artificial intelligence. Drawing on a thirty-year career in artificial intelligence and computer science, Hall reviews the history of AI, discussing some of the major roadblocks that the field has recently overcome, and predicting the probable achievements in the near future. There is new excitement in the field over the amazing capabilities of the latest robots and renewed optimism that achieving human-level intelligence is a reachable goal. But what will this mean for society and the relations between technology and human beings? Soon ethical concerns will arise and programmers will need to begin thinking about the computer counterparts of moral codes and how ethical interactions between humans and their machines will eventually affect society as a whole. Weaving disparate threads together in an enlightening manner from cybernetics, computer science, psychology, philosophy of mind, neurophysiology, game theory, and economics, Hall provides an intriguing glimpse into the astonishing possibilities and dilemmas on the horizon.

Product Description

Artificial intelligence (AI) is now advancing at such a rapid clip that it has the potential to transform our world in ways both exciting and disturbing. Computers have already been designed that are capable of driving cars, playing soccer, and finding and organizing information on the Web in ways that no human could. With each new gain in processing power, will scientists soon be able to create supercomputers that can read a newspaper with understanding, or write a news story, or create novels, or even formulate laws? And if machine intelligence advances beyond human intelligence, will we need to start talking about a computer's intentions?

These are some of the questions discussed by computer scientist J. Storrs Hall in this fascinating layperson's guide to the latest developments in artificial intelligence. Drawing on a thirty-year career in artificial intelligence and computer science, Hall reviews the history of AI, discussing some of the major roadblocks that the field has recently overcome, and predicting the probable achievements in the near future. There is new excitement in the field over the amazing capabilities of the latest robots and renewed optimism that achieving human-level intelligence is a reachable goal.

But what will this mean for society and the relations between technology and human beings? Soon ethical concerns will arise and programmers will need to begin thinking about the computer counterparts of moral codes and how ethical interactions between humans and their machines will eventually affect society as a whole. Weaving disparate threads together in an enlightening manner from cybernetics, computer science, psychology, philosophy of mind, neurophysiology, game theory, and economics, Hall provides an intriguing glimpse into the astonishing possibilities and dilemmas on the horizon.

an engaging and broad overview of AI *****
To start, i believe this is a fantastic book for at least two types of people: -the casual reader or scifi type who'd love a high-level, and well written overview of artificial intelligence -a cynical techno-weenie who needs a break from systems programming for a book about all the stuff they got into computers for in the first place so essentially, I'd describe this book as a chronicle of the history of AI up to the present (more or less), motivated by a deep philosophical interest in machines that can think. The first 2/3 of the book is spent describing the major successes of AI, and why despite all of it we still don't have a skynet. Storrs Hall did his homework here, and I guarantee you'll learn something even if you've read Russel & Norvig cover to cover. The real joy of this book, however, comes in the end as he waxes philosophical on the whole concept of super-human intelligence and the singularity. I found this really interesting despite thinking kurzweil is a bit nuts. Assuming you're into this sort of thing, I think you'd have to agree that Storrs Hall's analysis of AI and its implications has the rigorous, penetrating quality that's hallmark of a veteran researcher. And with all this packaged in 400 pages, it's a much richer source of facts and ideas, in my opinion, than GEB (as suggested by another reviewer). This book reads like the best popular science, with pinker as a fine example. I came across this book when i was trying to sort out my own thoughts on the progress and direction of AI and cognitive science while applying to grad schools. Coming from a cog background, i always enjoy indulging in the philosophical issues surrounding AI, and I found this book an excellent guide through the successes and failures of 50 years research. Sure, part of my initial reaction to this book, which was overwhelmingly positive, was simply because the book was a good fit for me at the time. It's been over a year since I read it now, however, and as I look back after a year of research in robotics with somewhat more seasoned eyes, I find that his ideas sit at the core of what I feel the study of an artificial mind really is, and where it may go in the future.

an engaging and broad overview of AI *****

To start, i believe this is a fantastic book for at least two types of people:
-the casual reader or scifi type who'd love a high-level, and well written overview of artificial intelligence
-a cynical techno-weenie who needs a break from systems programming for a book about all the stuff they got into computers for in the first place

so essentially, I'd describe this book as a chronicle of the history of AI up to the present (more or less), motivated by a deep philosophical interest in machines that can think. The first 2/3 of the book is spent describing the major successes of AI, and why despite all of it we still don't have a skynet. Storrs Hall did his homework here, and I guarantee you'll learn something even if you've read Russel & Norvig cover to cover. The real joy of this book, however, comes in the end as he waxes philosophical on the whole concept of super-human intelligence and the singularity. I found this really interesting despite thinking kurzweil is a bit nuts. Assuming you're into this sort of thing, I think you'd have to agree that Storrs Hall's analysis of AI and its implications has the rigorous, penetrating quality that's hallmark of a veteran researcher.
And with all this packaged in 400 pages, it's a much richer source of facts and ideas, in my opinion, than GEB (as suggested by another reviewer). This book reads like the best popular science, with pinker as a fine example.

I came across this book when i was trying to sort out my own thoughts on the progress and direction of AI and cognitive science while applying to grad schools. Coming from a cog background, i always enjoy indulging in the philosophical issues surrounding AI, and I found this book an excellent guide through the successes and failures of 50 years research. Sure, part of my initial reaction to this book, which was overwhelmingly positive, was simply because the book was a good fit for me at the time. It's been over a year since I read it now, however, and as I look back after a year of research in robotics with somewhat more seasoned eyes, I find that his ideas sit at the core of what I feel the study of an artificial mind really is, and where it may go in the future.

Good, but not Great ****
Maybe it's because I read it not long after reading Hofstadster's masterpiece "Godel, Escher, Bach", but I was slightly disappointed in Beyond AI. Many of the concepts and examples were the same despite the 25 years that separate both books, and some parts felt a bit rushed, with only a page or two dedicated to an important concept. The structure of the book also could have been better. By no means a bad book, but Godel, Escher, Bach is a better starting point (if a more demanding read) if you are interested in AI.

Good, but not Great ****

Maybe it's because I read it not long after reading Hofstadster's masterpiece "Godel, Escher, Bach", but I was slightly disappointed in Beyond AI. Many of the concepts and examples were the same despite the 25 years that separate both books, and some parts felt a bit rushed, with only a page or two dedicated to an important concept. The structure of the book also could have been better.

By no means a bad book, but Godel, Escher, Bach is a better starting point (if a more demanding read) if you are interested in AI.

A Ripping Good Read! *****
It's hard to express how much I am enjoying this book. The writing style is very active-voice and lucid. I'm sure there's a really good editor somewhere in this mix, but not even the best editor can rehabilitate turgid prose (witness the prose we all have to slog through in the vast majority of books on technical subjects). The editor of this book probably had the opposite problem: how not to get in the author's expository way. I don't know the author personally, but I can tell you this about him: he is truly educated. In the classical tradition. By that I mean he has not only been a student of things technical, he has been a student of great writing, poetry, social science, economics, politics and more. It's not that he attempts to parade his knowledge in these areas; rather, it's that his strong liberal arts education, very naturally, simply permeates his expository style. More than that, he has the rare ability to present complex topics in a way that any curious reader can comprehend. Isaac Asimov, R. Buckmister Fuller, Richard Feynman, Freeman Dyson and Carl Sagan are the writers of which the author reminds me. And, like the erudite writers in that list, it is quite obvious that the author is truly interested (dare I say fascinated?) in the subject about which he is writing. His enthusiasm is contagious. Above all, he wants you to "get it." I don't think I've read a book that was written this well and inspired me intellectually this much since I read R. Buckmister Fuller's "Utopia or Oblivion" back in 1968. That book changed my life. Now, forty years later, I find another book that is so well written and intellectually provocative that it may just change my life again. This is a fascinating book. You must read it. Seriously. J. Storrs Hall is the Robert Ludlum of non-fiction. The only time I put this book down is when I'm driving because I'm pretty sure reading and driving at the same time is illegal in my state. I'm even reading it while I write this (OK, that's not true - but you get my point). This book is a ripping good read. It'll tickle your neurons until they cry out for mercy.

A Ripping Good Read! *****

It's hard to express how much I am enjoying this book. The writing style is very active-voice and lucid. I'm sure there's a really good editor somewhere in this mix, but not even the best editor can rehabilitate turgid prose (witness the prose we all have to slog through in the vast majority of books on technical subjects). The editor of this book probably had the opposite problem: how not to get in the author's expository way.

I don't know the author personally, but I can tell you this about him: he is truly educated. In the classical tradition. By that I mean he has not only been a student of things technical, he has been a student of great writing, poetry, social science, economics, politics and more. It's not that he attempts to parade his knowledge in these areas; rather, it's that his strong liberal arts education, very naturally, simply permeates his expository style. More than that, he has the rare ability to present complex topics in a way that any curious reader can comprehend. Isaac Asimov, R. Buckmister Fuller, Richard Feynman, Freeman Dyson and Carl Sagan are the writers of which the author reminds me. And, like the erudite writers in that list, it is quite obvious that the author is truly interested (dare I say fascinated?) in the subject about which he is writing. His enthusiasm is contagious. Above all, he wants you to "get it."

I don't think I've read a book that was written this well and inspired me intellectually this much since I read R. Buckmister Fuller's "Utopia or Oblivion" back in 1968. That book changed my life. Now, forty years later, I find another book that is so well written and intellectually provocative that it may just change my life again. This is a fascinating book. You must read it. Seriously. J. Storrs Hall is the Robert Ludlum of non-fiction. The only time I put this book down is when I'm driving because I'm pretty sure reading and driving at the same time is illegal in my state. I'm even reading it while I write this (OK, that's not true - but you get my point).

This book is a ripping good read. It'll tickle your neurons until they cry out for mercy.

Nonexistent phenomena *
Before attempting to build the consciousness machine author must provide a proof that such phenomena is existing. So far no one was able to find specific properties of that taught up phenomena. We could blindly believe in it existence in every day life, but scientific research required proof that its subject is present. Michael Zeldich

Nonexistent phenomena *

Before attempting to build the consciousness machine author must provide a proof that such phenomena is existing.
So far no one was able to find specific properties of that taught up phenomena.
We could blindly believe in it existence in every day life, but scientific research required proof that its subject is present.

Michael Zeldich

A fine pick not just for libraries strong in computer studies *****
BEYOND AI: CREATING THE CONSCIENCE OF THE MACHINE discusses both the scientific and the ethical challenges of artificial intelligence, which is advancing so quickly that it holds vast potential for quickly changing everyday human life - as vast as the Internet's realm. Computers are already capable of driving cars, playing soccer and organizing Web information: but if machine intelligence comes to rival human intelligence, will it eventually overcome humanity? This and other questions are addressed by a computer scientist who surveys achievements, potentials, and accompanying social challenges, making it a fine pick not just for libraries strong in computer studies, but for college-level and even general-interest holdings equally strong in social science.

A fine pick not just for libraries strong in computer studies *****

BEYOND AI: CREATING THE CONSCIENCE OF THE MACHINE discusses both the scientific and the ethical challenges of artificial intelligence, which is advancing so quickly that it holds vast potential for quickly changing everyday human life - as vast as the Internet's realm. Computers are already capable of driving cars, playing soccer and organizing Web information: but if machine intelligence comes to rival human intelligence, will it eventually overcome humanity? This and other questions are addressed by a computer scientist who surveys achievements, potentials, and accompanying social challenges, making it a fine pick not just for libraries strong in computer studies, but for college-level and even general-interest holdings equally strong in social science.

Disappointed **
I bought this book based on the other two 5 star reviews and was disappointed enought that I returned the book after a week. The main problem is that author is not sure of his own voice. There is very little by way of solid factual development of the story of AI. Likewise good explanations are sparse. All we seem to have left is a loosely strung together series of remarks and opinions from the author. Hard to learn much from a book with such an approach.

Disappointed **

I bought this book based on the other two 5 star reviews and was disappointed enought that I returned the book after a week. The main problem is that author is not sure of his own voice. There is very little by way of solid factual development of the story of AI. Likewise good explanations are sparse. All we seem to have left is a loosely strung together series of remarks and opinions from the author. Hard to learn much from a book with such an approach.

Fantastic! *****
For too long, people have avoided the term Artificial Intelligence, ever since the first AI start-ups didnt keep to their promises. Now, after a few hundred science fiction books have been written about AI, scientists can see the 'All-clear' signal, and have been working to get those early promises fulfilled. This book show's you what happens after AI is everyday. I just wish I could give more then 5 stars!

Fantastic! *****

For too long, people have avoided the term Artificial Intelligence, ever since the first AI start-ups didnt keep to their promises.
Now, after a few hundred science fiction books have been written about AI, scientists can see the 'All-clear' signal, and have been working to get those early promises fulfilled. This book show's you what happens after AI is everyday. I just wish I could give more then 5 stars!

Thought-Provoking Overview *****
This is a fascinating book to read. It is very clearly written but at the same time does not talk down to the reader. It gives a thorough overview of the evolution of the AI field highlighting all the important points and more importantly also their implications. Best of all are the questions it inspires in the reader's mind. Highly recommended.

Thought-Provoking Overview *****

This is a fascinating book to read. It is very clearly written but at the same time does not talk down to the reader. It gives a thorough overview of the evolution of the AI field highlighting all the important points and more importantly also their implications. Best of all are the questions it inspires in the reader's mind.

Highly recommended.

This review was generated by AI...or not. ****
When I first spotted this book it immediately brought to mind an earlier work entitled "Mind Children" by Hans Morovec. That book was really kind of a dark and depressing vision of the world after our mind children grow up. Beyond AI seemed to be destined to follow the same path, especially with the cover art, which features a giant robot seemingly distraught at having crushed its all too fragile maker. Beyond AI, however, is a much more enjoyable read. One thing that popular AI books have going for them is that the field requires knowledge in such a wide variety of areas. Consequently these books tend to be wide ranging and eclectic. What I find interesting is the particular emphasis of a given researcher because it is a reflection of their particular peripatetic wanderings across the intellectual landscape, and I enjoy the view! What author J. Storrs Hall brings to this overview that I found interesting was a particular philosophical perspective, of all things. He also used an interesting technique of providing futuristic viewpoints while retaining hope for humanity by utilizing Science Fiction! Of course, he covers all of the necessary points in current AI research and he gives some nice historical background as well. I particularly appreciated the homage paid to Norbert Weiner because AI commentators tend to ignore his work as he did not work with digital computers. There are some particular ideas of the author, such as "formalist float" and "autogeny". One wishes that there were more fresh ideas such as these. I was left feeling that there were many more ideas that the author could share, but that he had made a conscious decision to write a careful book. Or perhaps this is just an experiment, the first foray of an AI program in writing popular science...how would we know?

This review was generated by AI...or not. ****

When I first spotted this book it immediately brought to mind an earlier work entitled "Mind Children" by Hans Morovec. That book was really kind of a dark and depressing vision of the world after our mind children grow up. Beyond AI seemed to be destined to follow the same path, especially with the cover art, which features a giant robot seemingly distraught at having crushed its all too fragile maker.

Beyond AI, however, is a much more enjoyable read. One thing that popular AI books have going for them is that the field requires knowledge in such a wide variety of areas. Consequently these books tend to be wide ranging and eclectic. What I find interesting is the particular emphasis of a given researcher because it is a reflection of their particular peripatetic wanderings across the intellectual landscape, and I enjoy the view!

What author J. Storrs Hall brings to this overview that I found interesting was a particular philosophical perspective, of all things. He also used an interesting technique of providing futuristic viewpoints while retaining hope for humanity by utilizing Science Fiction!

Of course, he covers all of the necessary points in current AI research and he gives some nice historical background as well. I particularly appreciated the homage paid to Norbert Weiner because AI commentators tend to ignore his work as he did not work with digital computers.

There are some particular ideas of the author, such as "formalist float" and "autogeny". One wishes that there were more fresh ideas such as these. I was left feeling that there were many more ideas that the author could share, but that he had made a conscious decision to write a careful book. Or perhaps this is just an experiment, the first foray of an AI program in writing popular science...how would we know?