Convergence: Artificial Intelligence and Quantum Computing

Prepare for the coming convergence of AI and quantum computing

A collection of essays from 20 renowned, international authors working in industry, academia, and government, Convergence: Artificial Intelligence and Quantum Computing explains the impending convergence of artificial intelligence and quantum computing. A diversity of viewpoints is presented, each offering their view of this coming watershed event.

In the book, you’ll discover that we’re on the cusp of seeing the stuff of science fiction become reality, with huge implications for ripping up the existing social fabric, global economy, and current geopolitical order. Along with an incisive foreword by Hugo- and Nebula-award winning author David Brin, you’ll also find:

• Explorations of the increasing pace of technological development
• Explanations of why seemingly unusual and surprising breakthroughs might be just around the corner
• Maps to navigate the potential minefields that await us as AI and quantum computing come together

A fascinating and thought-provoking compilation of insights from some of the leading technological voices in the world, Convergence convincingly argues that we should prepare for a world in which very little will remain the same and shows us how to get ready.

Preface xi

Foreword xix

Part I Policy and Regulatory Impacts 1

Chapter 1 Quantum Inflection Points 3
Jim Gable

Chapter 2 Quantum Delegation 11
Mandy Sweeney and Chris Gauthier

Chapter 3 The Problem of Machine Actorhood 23
Patrick Thaddeus Jackson

Chapter 4 Data Privacy, Security, and Ethical Governance Under Quantum AI 37
Sarah Pearce

Chapter 5 The Challenge of Quantum Noise 45
Philip Johnson

Chapter 6 A New Kind of Knowledge Discovery 53
Ramin Ayanzadeh and Milton Halem

Part II Economic Impacts 61

Chapter 7 Quantum Tuesday: How the U.S. Economy Will Fall, and How to Stop It 63
Alexander W. Butler

Chapter 8 Quantum-AI Space Communications 83
Mason Peck

Chapter 9 Quantum Planet Hacking 93
Philip L. Frana

Chapter 10 Ethics and Quantum AI for Future Public Transit Systems 111
Benjamin Crawford

Chapter 11 The Road to a Better Future 119
Denise Ruffner and André M. König

Part III Social Impacts 127

Chapter 12 The Best Numbers Are in Sight. But Understanding? 129
Roald Hoffmann and Jean-Paul Malrieu

Chapter 13 The Advancement of Intelligence or the End of It? 143
Kate Jeffery

Chapter 14 Quantum of Wisdom 157
Colin Allen and Brett Karlan

Chapter 15 Human Imagination and HAL 167
Erik Viirre

Chapter 16 A Critical Crossroad 175
Joseph N. Pelton

Chapter 17 Empathetic AI and Personalization Algorithms 183
Philippe Beaudoin and Alexander W. Butler

Chapter 18 Should We Let the Machine Decide What Is Meaningful? 193
J. M. Taylor

Chapter 19 The Ascent of Quantum Intelligence in Steiner’s Age of the Consciousness Soul 205
Stephen R. Waite

Chapter 20 Quantum Computing’s Beautiful Accidents 213
Christopher Savoie

Appendix A What Is Quantum Computing? 221
Philip L. Frana

Appendix B What Is Artificial Intelligence? 239
Philip L. Frana

Glossary 247

References 251

Index 259

About the Editor 271

GREG VIGGIANO, PhD, is an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Physics at George Mason University. His research interests include new technology applications and their macro social effects. He earned his doctorate in Mass Communication from Florida State University and is also the pro bono Executive Director for the Museum of Science Fiction in Washington, D.C.

The coming convergence of two key pieces of 21^st century technology – artificial intelligence and quantum computing—will prove to be a watershed moment in the history of technological and societal development. Are we, as a species, prepared to confront the challenges of the coming revolution?

In Convergence: Artificial Intelligence and Quantum Computing – Social, Economic, and Policy Impacts, a collection of renowned, international scholars, technologists, and industry practitioners deliver insightful analyses of the cutting-edge political, technological, societal, environmental, and ethical implications of the collision between two technologies that promises to reshape everything we know about the world around us. With an engaging foreword written by Hugo and Nebula award-winning author David Brin, the selections contained within will ignite discussion amongst laypersons, industry professionals, and researchers alike.

In the book, you’ll explore topics including quantum inflection points, the problem of machine actorhood, ethics and quantum AI for future public transit systems, the human imagination and HAL, and the ascent of quantum intelligence in Steiner’s Age of the Consciousness Soul. Each chapter is authored by a globally recognized expert, including Nobel laureate Roald Hoffman and CEO of Zapata Computing Christopher Savoie.

An essential resource for students of philosophy, technology, business, economics, and more, Convergence offers readers a provocative and informed peek into what might be waiting just over the technological horizon. This collection of exciting, page-turning discussions of one of the most critical and impactful issues of our time is destined to secure a place in the libraries of anyone with an interest in the future.

Examine the impending convergence of AI and quantum technologies

Convergence: Artificial Intelligence and Quantum Computing – Social, Economic, and Policy Impacts is an incisive and provocative collection of perspectives from a diverse array of subject matter experts across industry, academia, and government on two rapidly converging technologies: quantum computing and artificial intelligence. In the book, you’ll explore the anticipated impact of the coming collision of these two powerful technologies on our societies, economies, governments, businesses, and ethical systems.

Each chapter is penned by a renowned and globally recognized expert in their respective field, from Nobel laureate Roald Hoffman to technology company Chief Executive Officers. The book also includes an eye-opening foreword by Hugo and Nebula award-winning author David Brin.

A must-read for tech industry practitioners, international regulators and policymakers with an interest in quantum computing and artificial intelligence, and undergraduate and graduate students of science, technology, business, data, and economics, Convergence will benefit industry professionals, academics, researchers, and students alike.