Augmented Mind
AI, Humans, and the Superhuman Revolution
by Alex Bates
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Pub Date 14 May 2019 | Archive Date 15 Sep 2019
Description
We are about to become superhuman. In Augmented Mind: AI, Humans, and the Superhuman Revolution, serial AI entrepreneur Alex Bates explains how the combination of AI with human intelligence—Intelligence Augmentation—has revolutionary potential.
Bates has worked a decade on the front lines of AI research and implementation, facilitating the collaboration of humans and AI. When his last AI venture was acquired, Bates created a global mastermind network of applied AI technologists and researchers with membership from Caltech, MIT, Harvard, Oxford, UCSD, USC, and other leading institutions and companies. Augmented Mind represents the culmination of this research and outlines a framework for creating hybrid solutions by combining AI, machine learning, and human intuition to create augmented technology that can predict the future, improve our social lives, eliminate scarcity, and provide a clear road map to abundance and prosperity.
The AI revolution doesn't have to mean "robot takeover". Instead, Bates paints a picture of a world where humanity and technology work together to become our best selves, solve the problems of today, and create bright new possibilities for the future.
A Note From the Publisher
Alex Bates brings a unique perspective at the intersection of machine learning, big data, and diagnostics. As an undergraduate he performed DARPA-funded research in neural networks, as well as research in memory and computational diagnostics, authoring five peer-reviewed publications (current citation count of 117). Next he jumped into the private sector, applying analytics on some of the world’s largest data warehouses at Teradata, a pioneer in big data/MPP database technology.
In 2006 Alex co-founded Mtelligence (Mtell) to harness the deluge of sensor data in the industrial IoT, with a mission to create a world that doesn’t break down. Mtell’s machine learning platform is used to monitor global fleets of offshore drilling rigs, railroad engines, and process equipment—in effect creating a distributed immune system to protect equipment and personnel. Alex is lead inventor on three patents in the area of sensor networks and machine learning. Mtell was acquired in 2016 by AspenTech (NASDAQ: AZPN), the global leader in process optimization software. Alex received degrees in mathematics and computer science with a concentration in neuroscience.
Advance Praise
“A provocative, philosophically astute, and technologically savvy analysis.”
—Kirkus Reviews
“Engaging, accessible, and concise, Augmented Mind is a realistic and exciting look at the future of digital technology.”
—Foreword Reviews
“Augmented Mind is a well-researched and strong endorsement for the continued advancement of artificial intelligence written by an expert in the field of hybrid human-machine systems.”
—IndieReader
“Alex Bates offers a tantalizing perspective on the future of intelligence amplification and augmentation. As the dawn of artificial superintelligence nears, I expect that executing his vision of human-machine fusion will become essential to our survival.”
—Alex Wissner-Gross, Fellow of the Applied Computational Science at Harvard University
“Augmented Mind is highly recommended as a treasure trove of fascinating anecdotes and detailed discussions about the history and future of artificial intelligence. In a captivating and approachable sequence of thought-provoking topics with references to a wide body of award-winning literature, the author manages to artfully weave seventeenth-century England and dreaming and Gestalts with Passion Quotients and Healthcare Centaurs and symbiotic superhuman augmented intelligence. I look forward to digesting and re-reading this book several times!”
—Rupert Minnett, CEO Cogense, Data Scientist
“Augmented Mind is an extraordinary piece of work. It’s a window into the future by an exceptionally bright writer. The ideas Bates puts forward are clear, cogent and understandable to those of us not in the AI world. Although the depth of his technical expertise may be expected, the breadth of his knowledge is really impressive. I work in a creative field and especially appreciate his awareness regarding creative work. We are going at warp speed toward a new world. Augmented Mind is a roadmap. Fully recommend.”
—Bill Bowling,Production Consultant, Warner Brothers & Netflix
“Augmented Mind brings an essential perspective to our understanding of Artificial Intelligence and where it is headed. By asking and answering key questions like ‘what can AI not yet do’ and ‘do we really need AI’, the author is helping you see past the hype and better understand what is really going on in this space and what is coming next. Alex Bates weighs in on AI in a manner that meaningfully adds to the debate around AI safety raised by prominent figures such as Elon Musk and Stephen Hawking. In short, this is a must read if you want to understand the future of AI!”
—Stephen Larson, CEO Metacell / Director, OpenWorm
"This book is a comprehensive overview of the history, current state, and potential future of AI. The author develops the point of view that humans will retain a close connection with AI systems and that these hybrid systems in addition to the industrial benefits, may paradoxically help us become more human, i.e. more passionate, curious, and caring as well as more productive in the arts."
—Tom Morse PhD, Neuroscientist, Yale University
Available Editions
| EDITION | Paperback |
| ISBN | 9781732854819 |
| PRICE | |
Links
Featured Reviews
Reviewer 509486
This book was a quick interesting read. It gives you an introduction into AI and different platforms where it is being used.
Overall, it was a good book. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in AI and technology (programming and machine learning).
I received this ARC from NetGalley and Neocortex Press in exchange for an honest review.
8stitches9lives �, Reviewer
Those reasonably in-tune with the recent advancements in this field will be aware of the ubiquitous scaremongering about AI and those talking of the downfall of humanity at the hands of power hungry robots, but to give myself a sense of perspective I like to read about topics from a variety of viewpoints. Augmented Mind focuses on the positives we as a species could achieve through the merging of humans and technology.
At only 180 pages, this is a concise but dense read packed with fascinating information by an expert on Artificial Intelligence; it's clear that he knows this area and the possibilities it could bring like the back of his hand. Despite that it is written in a more accessible fashion that one might imagine. I learned an awful lot about the benefits hybrid human-robots could bring forth.
This is an interconnected web of thought-provoking topics. It talks of the history and future of AI. I still have reservations based on my past reading about Augmentation, but there is plenty of information in favour of it, however, I feel such advancements should be handled very carefully indeed. Many thanks to Neocortex Press for an ARC.
Paul V, Reviewer
This is not a light non-fiction read, but it is thorough and bring together info from a lot of sources. The book covers a variety of types of thinking, knowledge, intelligence, and touches on creativity and types of learning. Also, many types of AI are covered. Recommended for a stimulating and interesting read.
I really appreciate the ARC for review!!
Darya Y, Reviewer
What is augmented? What is artificial intelligence? The buzz words are made clear. Very in-depth history, application and opportunities described in the book. I would recommend reading if you are looking to get clarification on those terms and to find out what would be their business applications. I am interested in all emerging tech, this this book is of a good value.
Jamie B, Reviewer
Like most of us in the modern world, I imagine, I am both intrigued and wary about the concept of artificial intelligence. So, when I found this book at a book review site that I use, I was curious, as the title seemed to suggest something more than straight-up artificial intelligence would be discussed. I am delighted to say that I was right. The book is written by an author who is a pioneer in artificial intelligence, and in this book, he offers a different and potentially heartening future of AI and IA. The book first details his own history with the concept, starting with finding an intriguing article on neural networks when he was a teenager to the sale of his AI firm and beyond. The first part of the book is a collection of his thoughts on why we need to see a broader role for both humans and machines in the future of AI, a future in which he sees as a hybrid of both that could allow for more than we can even envision today. The author decidedly does not want us to be wary of the future, and he thinks that intelligence augmentation is the path to that better future. He details the history of both artificial and human intelligence in a way that is both compelling and fascinating in what it could mean for the future both artificial and human intelligence. As one who is somewhat skeptical by Nature, I found myself drawn to his vision of the future. A cracking good read for anyone who is intrigued (or leery) about the future of AI... or who simply likes to future think.
Nancy F, Reviewer
The Coming Synthesis: Human Intelligence and Artificial Intelligence
Humans do some things very well, creativity is a particularly human ability. Artificial Intelligence using computer based technology is much more proficient at handling large data sets. The thesis of this book is that combining the two can produce a breakthrough in problem solving and invention. Machine learning, the current focus of AI research, is important, but it isn’t the whole picture. Add in humans and capabilities are enhanced beyond what each type of intelligence can do alone.
The author does an excellent job reviewing the status of AI research. It’s a chapter worth reading. The chapter on the psychology of how humans learn and solve problems is equally well done. These chapters form the basis of the rest of the book with presents a way forward in combing these two forms of intelligence.
The book is very readable. Technical material is presented with illustrations to make the points easily accessible to the lay reader. I enjoyed the ending chapters where Bates presents ideas for hybrid solutions where human and artificial intelligence are combined. I highly recommend this book. It will give you something to think about.
I received this book from Net Galley for this review.
Gerald J, Book Trade Professional
See my review in Splash Magazines Worldwide splashmags.com. Bates' surveys of both brain function and AI development process are lucid and understandable for nontechnical readers. I was disappointed he didn't cover the topic of consciousness, although he does touch on self-awareness, which is not necessarily the same thing.
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