Introducing Artificial Intelligence [Paperback]

Henry Brighton (Author), Howard Selina (Contributor)

Book Description

Series: Introducing | Publication Date: July 14, 2003

Can machines really think? Is the mind just a complicated computer program? "Introducing Artificial Intelligence" focuses on the major issues behind one of the hardest scientific problems ever undertaken. Artificial Intelligence is not just a fictional concept. Half a century of research into the construction of intelligent machinery has resulted in machines capable of beating the best human chess players and humanoid robots that can walk and interact with us. Despite early claims that intelligent machines were just around the corner, progress has been slow and difficult. Consciousness and environment are tow of the deeply complex problems are two deeply complex problems encountered. How exactly should we go about building an intelligent machine? Should it work like a mind? Should it work like a brain? Does it require a body? "Introducing Artificial Intelligence" clearly explains the advances made over the past half-century, from Alan Turing's influential groundwork to cutting edge robotics and the New Al.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Henry Brighton has carried out research into machine learning in both academic and commercial settings. More recently his work has focused on the problem of the evolution of language, where he employs machine learning techniques to model linguistic evolution in multi-agent populations. Howard Selina was born in Leeds and studied painting at St. Martin's School of Art and the Royal Academy. He works in London as a painter and illustrator.

Product Details

• Paperback: 175 pages
• Publisher: Totem Books (July 14, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1840468416
• ISBN-13: 978-1840468410
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #357,388 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent introduction., January 30, 2004

By 

Dr. Lee D. Carlson (Baltimore, Maryland USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Introducing Artificial Intelligence (Paperback)

This book would be an excellent choice for anyone who has no background in artificial intelligence (AI) and wants to understand what the subject is all about. In particular, the book would be ideal for a high school senior who is college bound and is considering computer science as a possible major. But anyone who has an interest in artificial intelligence can gain much from a perusal of this book. Research and applications of artificial intelligence are skyrocketing, and there are many areas in the subject that were unheard of ten years ago. The book discusses some of these new developments, and also the philosophical argumentation that usually accompanies discussion of AI. If the book makes a young person decide to go into the field of artificial intelligence, it has done its job, and this person will join an army of individuals who are deeply passionate about their profession and are very optimistic about its future.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Yet another fascinating book in the "Introducing..." series, September 8, 2006

By 

Terry Nightingale (Seattle, WA USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Introducing Artificial Intelligence (Paperback)

Coming from a Computer Science background, but only having been exposed to AI via science fiction, the most interesting thing I learned while reading Introducing Artificial Intelligence was the distinction between the two major schools of thought in AI research: "strong AI," or those who believe machines can be made to think like humans or better, and "weak AI," those who seek further knowledge about natural intelligence through the use of artificial simulations of intelligence, but don't seek to create sentient thought in machines. Based solely on the descriptions of artificial intelligence that I've encountered in popular culture, it's never explicitly stated but always tacitly assumed that with sufficiently advanced technology, machines can be made to think. As this book discusses, this is not a universally acknowledged truth, but rather there is much disagreement among AI scientists as to whether this feat is even possible.

Some interesting history of AI research is covered, including the idea of Turing machines, and the robot "Shakey" who could perform simple tasks in a simplified environment, but ultimately failed to adapt when his surroundings became unfamiliar. Toward the end of the book, more recent developments are touched on, such as robot designs based on insects and robots who can negotiate more complex "real world" environments.

Overall a quick and interesting read like I've found most of the "Introducing..." books to be.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Connection to Philosophy, February 26, 2006

By 

David Wallace Croft (Dallas, TX USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Introducing Artificial Intelligence (Paperback)

Last night I was raving about a book I had just read, Introducing Artificial Intelligence by Henry Brighton, 2004. This book is illustrated with cartoons on each page depicting caricatures of the scientists and philosophers in the field. It covers the entire history of the field from "classic" A.I. to the "New A.I." including the terminology, debates, and the connection to philosophy of mind. It reminded me just how much this topic interests me.