Awkward Intelligence

An expert offers a guide to where we should use artificial intelligence—and where we should not. Before we know it, artificial intelligence (AI) will work its way into every corner of our lives, making decisions about, with, and for us. Is this a good thing? There’s a tendency to think that machines can be more “objective” than humans—can make better decisions about job applicants, for example, or risk assessments. In Awkward Intelligence, AI expert Katharina Zweig offers readers the inside story, explaining how many levers computer and data scientists must pull for AI’s supposedly objective decision making. She presents the good and the bad: AI is good at processing vast quantities of data that humans cannot—but it’s bad at making judgments about people. AI is accurate at sifting through billions of websites to offer up the best results for our search queries and it has beaten reigning champions in games of chess and Go. But, drawing on her own research, Zweig shows how inaccurate AI is, for example, at predicting whether someone with a previous conviction will become a repeat offender. It’s no better than simple guesswork, and yet it’s used to determine people’s futures. Zweig introduces readers to the basics of AI and presents a toolkit for designing AI systems. She explains algorithms, big data, and computer intelligence, and how they relate to one another. Finally, she explores the ethics of AI and how we can shape the process. With Awkward Intelligence. Zweig equips us to confront the biggest question concerning AI: where we should use it—and where we should not.

On Human Nature by Arthur Schopenhauer: An influential work of philosophy, "On Human Nature" explores the complexities and contradictions of the human experience. Schopenhauer's work draws on a variety of philosophical traditions to offer a rich and nuanced understanding of the nature of consciousness, free will, and human identity. Key Aspects of the Book "On Human Nature": Philosophy of Consciousness: The book provides a comprehensive study of the principles and practices of philosophical inquiry into consciousness, exploring the nature of consciousness, free will, and human identity. Contributions to the Field of Philosophy: Schopenhauer's work has contributed significantly to the fields of philosophy and psychology, providing valuable insights into the complexities and contradictions of the human experience. Historical Context: The book sheds light on the cultural and historical contexts in which philosophical traditions developed and evolved, including the impact of scientific discoveries, social and political movements, and evolving cultural values. Arthur Schopenhauer was a German philosopher who lived in the 19th century. His works, including "The World as Will and Representation" and "On the Fourfold Root of the Principle of Sufficient Reason," have had a significant influence on the development of Western philosophy and psychology.

Reprint of the original, first published in 1871.

"The nail-biting suspense, high-octane action, and keep-’em-guessing plot set this book apart from the usual spy thriller, but it’s smart, tough, fearless, quick-thinking superspook Harry Tate who puts it in a whole other league. Superb! Booklist Starred Review "Look for more from Magson, a strong contender in a field long dominated by John le Carré and Ian Fleming” Library Journal Starred Review,/b> First in the brand-new Harry Tate thriller series - Having been made the scapegoat for a botched drugs intercept operation, MI5 officer Harry Tate is dispatched to 'Red Station', a remote outpost in the Balkans, ostensibly to avoid press scrutiny, but where in effect the security services send 'problem' agents they'd like to be rid of. But the outpost is thrust into the international spotlight when troops begin massing in the area; and, as the situation becomes increasingly dangerous, Tate discovers the real, truly shocking, purpose behind 'Red Station' - and decides to fight back . . .