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A Human Algorithm: How Artificial Intelligence Is Redefining Who We Are Hardcover – October 1, 2019

by Flynn Coleman (Author)
4.1 4.1 out of 5 stars 101 ratings
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A groundbreaking narrative on the urgency of ethically designed AI and a guidebook to reimagining life in the era of intelligent technology.

The Age of Intelligent Machines is upon us, and we are at a reflection point. The proliferation of fast-moving technologies, including forms of artificial intelligence akin to a new species, will cause us to confront profound questions about ourselves. The era of human intellectual superiority is ending, and we need to plan for this monumental shift.

A Human Algorithm: How Artificial Intelligence Is Redefining Who We Are examines the immense impact intelligent technology will have on humanity. These machines, while challenging our personal beliefs and our socioeconomic world order, also have the potential to transform our health and well-being, alleviate poverty and suffering, and reveal the mysteries of intelligence and consciousness. International human rights attorney Flynn Coleman deftly argues that it is critical that we instill values, ethics, and morals into our robots, algorithms, and other forms of AI. Equally important, we need to develop and implement laws, policies, and oversight mechanisms to protect us from tech’s insidious threats.

To realize AI’s transcendent potential, Coleman advocates for inviting a diverse group of voices to participate in designing our intelligent machines and using our moral imagination to ensure that human rights, empathy, and equity are core principles of emerging technologies. Ultimately, A Human Algorithm is a clarion call for building a more humane future and moving conscientiously into a new frontier of our own design.

“[Coleman] argues that the algorithms of machine learning--if they are instilled with human ethics and values--could bring about a new era of enlightenment.” ―San Francisco Chronicle

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  1. Print length
    336 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Counterpoint
  4. Publication date
    October 1, 2019
  5. Dimensions
    6.33 x 1.08 x 9.26 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    1640092366
  7. ISBN-13
    978-1640092365
  8. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review

Praise for A Human Algorithm

Long–listed for the Porchlight Business Book Award for Big Ideas & New Perspectives

“This book is urgently needed. Humanity can’t afford to ignore the horrendous possibilities that lie ahead should we fail to imbue artificial intelligence with the values of empathy and compassion. We need to consciously protect and nurture our deepest values as we forge new technological frontiers. The time to do it is now, and this is the book to show us how.” —Marianne Williamson

“[Coleman] argue[s] that the algorithms of machine learning—if they are instilled with human ethics and values—could bring about a new era of enlightenment.” —James Sullivan, San Francisco Chronicle

“A Human Algorithm is intentionally positioned as an optimistic book, one that recognizes the challenges but affirms our human capacity to rise up to them. History shows (and the book details) that people have a marked capacity to integrate new technologies into their lives, even as both horrific and honorable applications may ensue. The Digital Age (which Coleman wisely pronounces as 'now ending') may be unique for the rate and magnitude of the changes being experienced and the unprecedented nature of the frontiers being pushed, but the general patterns remain intact . . . In A Human Algorithm, Flynn Coleman admirably has uploaded a clear data point on the side of the good. The book is not, however, an idealistic portico onto a rose–colored tomorrow; Coleman is keenly aware of the existential implications and the narrow window of opportunity at hand. The urgent task is to rapidly reclaim and amplify the best of ourselves, and this book is a step on that journey. In addition to urging people to read it—especially those directly involved with writing the algorithms that will set tomorrow’s template—one sincerely hopes the machines will do so as well.” —Randall Amster, New York Journal of Books

“How do we define artificial intelligence (AI)? Is it emotional intelligence or purely factual knowledge? Coleman addresses these questions in this gripping, personal first book on the triumphs and dangers of technology . . . With quotes and research from scientists, researchers, authors, and even poets, Coleman mixes her own viewpoints with those of scholars in this easy–to–read work. Readers of John C. Havens's Heartificial Intelligence and Max Tegmark's Life 3.0 will appreciate this new take on the relationship between humans and AI . . . It's a must read for both the cyber crowds and those interested in human psychology.” —Library Journal

“[An] earnest, meaty investigation of the ideal future of how we work with intelligent technologies . . . Coleman necessarily operates in the realm of conjecture because she grapples with age–old questions and the unframed future. However, AI's rapidly expanding capacity for autonomy suggests that these are the very questions that must be addressed now . . . An energetic, holistic consideration of AI's potentialities to impact our lives in profound ways.” —Kirkus Reviews

“What does artificial intelligence mean, where is it going, and how will it affect us? We’re currently on a very steep part of the technology curve, and Flynn Coleman is a wonderfully astute, perceptive, and reliable guide as we ascend into our future.” —David Eagleman, neuroscientist at Stanford University and New York Times bestselling author

“The era of thinking machines is no longer the stuff of science fiction; it is our present reality. In this compulsively readable, mind–bending book, Flynn Coleman encourages us to start grappling now with the daunting challenges ‘the Intelligent Machine Age’ presents to our conception of what it means to be human. A Human Algorithm is more than a book; it is a manifesto for our times.” —Reza Aslan, author of God: A Human History

“Amid an increasingly interconnected and divided world, humanity is facing a critical need for moral leadership and character to solve the issues of our present and future. A Human Algorithm reminds us powerfully to recognize the importance of developing a moral framework for our world’s next major stakeholder—artificial intelligence—in shaping a more just and equal society.” —Jacqueline Novogratz, author of The Blue Sweater: Bridging the Gap Between Rich and Poor in an Interconnected World

“In this beautifully written tome, A Human Algorithm, Flynn Coleman captures the essence of a world where compassionate and empathetic AI is possible. This book is a must–read for parents, educators, and anyone who wants to build a better world.” —Shaka Senghor, author of Writing My Wrongs

“Flynn Coleman will forever change the way you think about computers and our future. More important, though, she will change the way you think about humanity.” —Seth Godin, author of This Is Marketing

Book Description

Publicity:
  • National print, online, and broadcast media campaign, including NPR (All Things Considered, Morning Edition, etc, but also PRI’s Science Friday and Fresh Air)
  • Regional coverage throughout the Bay Area (interviews with KQED Forum, San Francisco Magazine, San Francisco Chronicle and more)
  • Interviews/coverage in tech/business based publications such as Business Insider, Wired, Forbes
  • Targeted outreach to human rights, psychology, scientific, and humanity publications and podcasts such as “On Being,” The Greater Good podcast, BrainPickings, Psychology Today, Mother Jones, Science, Discover, Scientific American, Popular Science, and more
  • Feature interviews in women’s magazines such as Marie Claire, Elle, Vogue
  • Feature interviews/excerpts in publications such as Harpers, Mother Jones, GQ, Esquire, Rolling Stone, Vanity Fair with interviews on tech blogs/online media such as TechCrunch, Mashable, Gizmodo, BoingBoing, HuffPost, Jezebel, Medium and more
  • Targeted outreach to LA and NYC media
  • Author promotion through website at http://flynncoleman.community

    Event Schedule
  • Events in NYC, California, Washington DC, including talks at major technology companies’ book clubs (Facebook, etc.), in conjunction with policy organizations such as the Council on Foreign Relations

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Counterpoint (October 1, 2019)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 336 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1640092366
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1640092365
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.36 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.33 x 1.08 x 9.26 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.1 4.1 out of 5 stars 101 ratings

About the author

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Flynn Coleman

Flynn Coleman

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FLYNN COLEMAN is a writer, international human rights attorney, public speaker, professor, and social innovator. She has worked with the United Nations, the United States federal government, and international corporations and human rights organizations around the world. Flynn has written extensively on issues of global citizenship, the future of work and purpose, emerging technologies, political reconciliation, war crimes, genocide, human and civil rights, humanitarian issues, innovation and design for social impact, and improving access to justice and education.

www.flynncoleman.community

Customer reviews

4.1 out of 5 stars
4.1 out of 5
101 global ratings

Customers say

Customers find the book very informative and beautifully written. They also say it's impeccably researched and about much more than how.

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7 customers mention "Content"7 positive0 negative

Customers find the book very informative, fascinating, and practical. They also say it illuminates not only the inevitable challenges.

"...It is written with heart and clarity and is impeccably researched if you're into that sort of thing...." Read more

"...It does a good job discussing what's currently happening out there at the moment, and then projecting the not-too-distant future and how that might..." Read more

"...This book will empower you, inform you and inspire you to participate in the inevitable future of ‘the Intelligent Machine Age.’" Read more

"...It is fascinating in it's reporting of the state of the art and the anticipated effects on us all...." Read more

3 customers mention "Writing style"3 positive0 negative

Customers find the writing style beautifully written and impeccably researched.

"...It is written with heart and clarity and is impeccably researched if you're into that sort of thing...." Read more

"A HUMAN ALGORITHM is a revelation. Beautifully written and impeccably researched, it is about much more than how technology has and will transform..." Read more

"Flynn Coleman is a beautifully original researcher and writer; her interdisciplinary approach is exactly the kind of thinking we need to address our..." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

Steven
5.0 out of 5 stars It's about more than algorithms
Reviewed in the United States on December 5, 2019
Verified Purchase
What a joy to read a book that suprises.

First, as an utterly and completely non-technical, not-interested-in-AI, know-nothing-about-algorithms (except how they largely seem to fail to understand me as I move around online) kind of person, what grabbed me was the "human" part -- and this book is full of humanity. It is written with heart and clarity and is impeccably researched if you're into that sort of thing.

What I'm into is growing as humans, transforming ourselves into more compassionate beings, and cultivating a future that works for all of us. In my own work, I pay zero attention to technology. Yet Flynn surprises by both urging me not to denigrate it and showing me how to make it work FOR me (us) and not be a victim of it. It's incredibly hopeful and optimistic. Her love of humanity shines through and I was also surprised at how my own vision of what's possible expanded by reading her words.

I feel sure that if those with AI decision-making powers today would heed the words and advice and perspectives offered in this book, that future we want that works for everyone would, indeed, be secured. Thank you, Flynn, for a wonderful contribution to the human project.
4 people found this helpful
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Doug D.
4.0 out of 5 stars Putting a Soul into AI
Reviewed in the United States on December 22, 2019
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It's important to start reading this book with the right mindset. Lately I have read many science books (including AI) and many religious/spirituality books. This book reads more like the spirituality books. And, I believe that is its strength, relative to other AI books.

This book is about directing AI toward our highest values, rather than creating cold algorithms that might harm us without meaning to, or even reinforce the worst of our values. It is about creating an AI that we will want to share our planet with.

Having said that, it is worth comparing to other AI books. Like "Human Compatible" by Stuart Russell, "A Human Algorithm" is about how to proceed with AI development, so that it will be in the best interest of us. "Human Compatible" discusses "humble AI" which will always defer to humans for guidance. "A Human Algorithm" defines "us" more broadly, to include all life and the AI itself. "Human Compatible" is more about the technical algorithms that will prevent AI from hurting us. "A Human Algorithm" is more about relationships and values, but does not describe the algorithms to make it happen.

This book is similar to "Life 3.0", in that both emphasize the urgency for action, before AI develops to the point that our input is impossible. Again, "Life 3.0" is more technical. But, "A Human Algorithm" actually made me feel better in this respect. For every problem the author discussed, she described at least one group that is working to solve the problem. That included instilling human understanding into AI and regulating how AI will develop.

One scary thing is that AI is like the environment: it would not take very many people to not care about the problems, and there will be nothing we can do to solve them. We really need everyone (or nearly) to care. Another scary thing is how to define our "best values." Humans have been struggling for millennia, with the aid of numerous religions and spiritual traditions, to define the our "best values." This is not a new issue. And, even when we define them, we don't live them much of the time. Even when we know the best things to do, ultimately what humans want is to have the pleasure center of our brains stimulated. If our world with AI gives us that option easily, I am worried that we won't have the will power to live out best lives. I share the hope of the author that we will, but what I see in our world makes me worried. I agree with the author that the best approach is a diverse, inclusive approach, that should lead to a healthy relationship with AI. I hope her optimism proves right.
8 people found this helpful
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Camazon Amustomers
5.0 out of 5 stars Really interesting for a total newb to AI
Reviewed in the United States on February 11, 2020
Verified Purchase
I've gotta be honest that I really didn't understand very much about artificial intelligence until speaking to a friend who noticed how little I knew and suggested this as a good book on the topic. And I'm certainly no expert now after reading it, but at least I've got a much better handle on it. It does a good job discussing what's currently happening out there at the moment, and then projecting the not-too-distant future and how that might look (and importantly, *could* look). As someone who's not totally "bought in" to the idea that this over techifiying humanity is necessarily good for the species, I think this book does a pretty fair job justifying both sides of the argument. After reading, I'm still a tad skeptical about the benefits of AI since I personally think most powerful tech tools tend to either get abused by the powerful or just get tweaked to manipulate consumers into buying junk, but I think the author does a good job at showing an alternative path. Guess it remains to be seen how we proceed from here. Regardless, I'm now a whole lot more interested and well-versed on the topic, so give it a read if you're an AI newb/skeptic like me.
4 people found this helpful
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rj gold
5.0 out of 5 stars A fascinating journey through time and technology as seen through a humanistic perspective.
Reviewed in the United States on October 2, 2019
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“A Human Algorithm” reflects Flynn Coleman’s expansive knowledge of the law, human rights, social psychology, and Artificial Intelligence. Her vision for the future integration of AI and society poses questions that need to be addressed now. Flynn’s ability to integrate a prodigious amount of data into a book that is readily accessible to all and that requires no prior understanding of technology is possibly her greatest talent. Flynn’s knowledge, her writing style as well as her sense of humor make “A Human Algorithm” a must-read for anyone interested in having an impact on our future. This book will empower you, inform you and inspire you to participate in the inevitable future of ‘the Intelligent Machine Age.’
2 people found this helpful
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GFlat Minor
4.0 out of 5 stars A glimpse into an esoteric field and it's implications toward humanity.
Reviewed in the United States on October 15, 2020
Verified Purchase
I got it for a book club and full disclosure, I'm not done with it yet. It is fascinating in it's reporting of the state of the art and the anticipated effects on us all. One thing that surprised me but I think give the book great value is how it illustrates the possibilities for AI improving quality of life and social justice. I think it's an important book.
One person found this helpful
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W. McNulty
5.0 out of 5 stars A call to action. Something everyone should consider and be aware of.
Reviewed in the United States on October 1, 2020
Verified Purchase
A successful attempt to simplify a very complex issue for the future of humanity. AI can clearly be an amazing positive force or a disastrous one. This is a call to action for developing carefully calculated norms rather than leaving it to chance and the worst impulses of the few involved in AI design and development. Thorough and practical, this work illuminates not only the inevitable challenges but solutions as well.
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Top reviews from other countries

Anshul
3.0 out of 5 stars Decent book, don't expect any tech insight.
Reviewed in India on June 12, 2021
Verified Purchase
I had bought this based on a recommendation and I expected some form of insight about algorithms that can simulate certain parts of the human experience or how certain algorithms are enhancing our ability to make decisions, or something more on the technical side.
The book offers none of that. The author has a social science perspective on the future of humanity and the role of Algorithms (Not at the level of Deus, no, not even close). It talks more at the policy side of things and how an AI that influences our lives should behave, but doesn't dive deeper than that.
I wouldn't recommend this to anyone looking to read more about AI and the associated technology.
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