Opening Pandora's Box: From Abacus To Artificial Intelligence

In this book, the author, who was closely involved in his own career with the development of modern electronics, presents the history of computational technology from ancient times to this day. He explains to the general reader the essential features of that powerful technology and does not shy away from supplying interesting historical details and anecdotes that illuminate this subject. The author also follows and describes in accessible terms the development of AI, a topic that many people discuss lately but few truly understand. A special chapter is devoted to the opinions and warnings expressed by scientists, philosophers, engineers, and writers concerning the prospects of developing the Artificial General Intelligence, AGI. The promise and the possible peril that may follow are described in the book most vividly and intelligently. There are many books now appearing on the subject of AI; we recommend this one as the most insightful and historically grounded.