Description
Computers and software impact our lives, our economy, even international relations and war (e.g., cyberattacks), affecting us deeply, often without our thinking about it. "Artificial Intelligence" has brought attention to advances in computer technology in a particular way, with warnings AI will let computers at least take most jobs if not become our master. But computers have long been at the core of automation, improving productivity, and providing services such as web search that few would do without. What are the tradeoffs?
The core book takes the position that AI is part of a long-term trend in the development of "computer intelligence," a broader view of computer capabilities than AI. This view allows a better understanding of what role AI will play, what led up to AI, and what to expect of future evolution of computer intelligence. What will it do for us, and what will it do to us?
The book is directed at a layman audience and does not require a technical background. The coordinator is the author of the core book and active in the area, most recently organizing a "Bots and Assistants" virtual conference. THIS SDG HAS BEEN GIVEN PREVIOUSLY, AND IS THUS A REPEAT. IT WILL BE UPDATED WITH CONTINUING DEVELOPMENTS IN THE AREA.
Weekly Topics
The role of computer intelligence in our lives
What is “computer intelligence (CI)”? How does it relate to “Artificial Intelligence (AI)”? Why is the distinction important to understanding its past and future impact on society, economics, and war? (Book: Introduction, possibly with some web links)
The history of computer intelligence I
The evolution of CI from early computer concepts through Apple and the Graphical User Interface. (Book: pp. 6-25, possibly with some web links)
The history of computer intelligence II
The evolution of CI after the Graphical User Interface to the present, with a hint of the future. (Book: 26-35, possibly with some web links)
Today’s CI
The evolution of CI after the Graphical User Interface to the present, with a hint of the future. (Book: Today’s CI, pp. 36-60 possibly with some web links)
How computers think I
“Algorithms” versus software. An indication of what is going on behind software code. (This is one of the more technical topics, pp. 61-69, possibly with some web links)
How computers think II
More on Algorithms—erasing the mystery. (This is one of the more technical topics, pp. 70-79, possibly with some web links)
The impact of CI on society: The advantages
Connecting with CI and its impact on healthcare and other parts of our lives (pp. 80-95, possibly with some web links)
The impact of CI on society: Issues
From too much “screen time” and “disinformation” to hacking and privacy issues (pp. 95-132, possibly with some web links)
The impact of CI on economics I
Increasing productivity and delivering increased utility (pp. 133-135 and 160-166, note skipped pages, possibly with some web links)
The impact of CI on economics II
The impact on jobs (pp. 135-160, possibly with some web links)
Cyberwarfare
The changing nature of war with cyberattacks on elections and infrastructure and manipulation of elections, international competition in AI (pp. 167-180, possibly with some web links)
Cyberattacks
Malware, hacking, manipulation of social media, economic warfare (pp. 180-195, possibly with some web links)
The Future I
In what ways will CI continue to evolve? (pp. 196-219, possibly with some web links)
The Future II
What to expect in CI’s impact on our future—details, please! (pp. 220-244, possibly with some web links)
Bibliography
Computer Intelligence: With Us or Against Us?, William Meisel, 2019
