What to Think About Machines That Think: Today's Leading Thinkers on the Age of Machine Intelligence

Weighing in from the cutting-edge frontiers of science, today’s most forward-thinking minds explore the rise of “machines that think.”

Stephen Hawking recently made headlines by noting, “The development of full artificial intelligence could spell the end of the human race.” Others, conversely, have trumpeted a new age of “superintelligence” in which smart devices will exponentially extend human capacities. No longer just a matter of science-fiction fantasy (2001, Blade Runner, The Terminator, Her, etc.), it is time to seriously consider the reality of intelligent technology, many forms of which are already being integrated into our daily lives. In that spirit, John Brockman, publisher of Edge. org (“the world’s smartest website” – The Guardian), asked the world’s most influential scientists, philosophers, and artists one of today’s most consequential questions: What do you think about machines that think?

• The Future of AI: Explore divergent perspectives from leading thinkers like Steven Pinker and Martin Rees on whether AI will be our masters, slaves, or partners.
• Consciousness in Machines: Move beyond science fiction to ask: If a machine achieves human-level intelligence, would it be capable of suffering or joy? Would it deserve rights?
• AI Ethics and Safety: Confront the urgent safety questions raised by figures like Stephen Hawking, from military arms races in robotics to the challenge of building provably beneficial systems.
• Cognitive Science & Machine Learning: Go inside the science of intelligence itself, examining how breakthroughs in deep learning and our understanding of the human brain are shaping the next generation of AI.

Weighing in from the cutting-edge frontiers of science, today’s most forward-thinking minds explore the rise of “machines that think.”

Stephen Hawking recently made headlines by noting, “The development of full artificial intelligence could spell the end of the human race.” Others, conversely, have trumpeted a new age of “superintelligence” in which smart devices will exponentially extend human capacities. No longer just a matter of science-fiction fantasy (2001, Blade Runner, The Terminator, Her, etc.), it is time to seriously consider the reality of intelligent technology, many forms of which are already being integrated into our daily lives. In that spirit, John Brockman, publisher of Edge. org (“the world’s smartest website” – The Guardian), asked the world’s most influential scientists, philosophers, and artists one of today’s most consequential questions: What do you think about machines that think?

“The way Brockman interlaces essays about research on the frontiers of science with ones on artistic vision, education, psychology and economics is sure to buzz any brain.” - Chicago Sun-Times

“The brightest minds in the known universe.” - Vanity Fair

“Lively. ... A satisfying experience for readers looking for thoughtful answers to big questions.” - Kirkus Reviews

“An immeasurably stimulating read... exploring the intersection of science, philosophy, technology, ethics, and psychology to unravel some of the most important questions worth asking.” - Brain Pickings

“Another stimulating read from Brockman and company.” - Shelf Awareness

“Once again, cultural wizard John Brockman has stirred up the intellectual waters with a provocative question, designed to tease the best out of intellectuals. ... Excellent.” - New Scientist

“An intellectual treasure trove.” - San Francisco Chronicle

Praise for the Edge series: “An epicenter of bleeding-edge insight across science, technology and beyond, hosting conversations with some of our era’s greatest thinkers.” - The Atlantic

“Offers a rare chance to discover big ideas before they hit the mainstream.” - New York Times Book Review