"The Age of Intelligent Machines" argues that artificial intelligence is a means to answer how the human brain produces thought from ordinary matter, tracing the history and future of emulating human capabilities in machines. The book examines AI's philosophical and mathematical origins, its current frontier, and projects toward 21st-century machines with superior intelligence, speed, and memory. It explores the scientific potential of intelligent machines and their profound philosophic, economic, and social implications, providing background for understanding these advancements.
The narrative combines Kurzweil's historical and scientific account with 23 articles from leading figures in AI, addressing contemporary issues. This compilation offers a comprehensive view of the field's development and its ongoing challenges, showcasing diverse perspectives on the pursuit of artificial intelligence.
Key concepts
- Artificial Intelligence — A field of study and technology that seeks to understand and emulate human intelligence and thought processes in machines.
- Emulating Human Capabilities — The process of designing and building devices that can perform tasks and exhibit behaviors similar to those of humans.
- 21st-Century Machines — Refers to future intelligent machines predicted to possess superior intelligence, speed, and memory beyond current capabilities.
- Print-to-Speech Reading Machine — A specific AI technology developed by the author to convert written text into audible speech, aiding the visually impaired.