The Digital Mind: How Science Is Redefining Humanity - Couverture rigide

Oliveira, Arlindo

 
9780262036030: The Digital Mind: How Science Is Redefining Humanity
Couverture rigide
ISBN 10 : 0262036037 ISBN 13 : 9780262036030
Editeur : The MIT Press, 2017

Synopsis

How developments in science and technology may enable the emergence of purely digital minds—intelligent machines equal to or greater in power than the human brain.

What do computers, cells, and brains have in common? Computers are electronic devices designed by humans; cells are biological entities crafted by evolution; brains are the containers and creators of our minds. But all are, in one way or another, information-processing devices. The power of the human brain is, so far, unequaled by any existing machine or known living being. Over eons of evolution, the brain has enabled us to develop tools and technology to make our lives easier. Our brains have even allowed us to develop computers that are almost as powerful as the human brain itself. In this book, Arlindo Oliveira describes how advances in science and technology could enable us to create digital minds.

Exponential growth is a pattern built deep into the scheme of life, but technological change now promises to outstrip even evolutionary change. Oliveira describes technological and scientific advances that range from the discovery of laws that control the behavior of the electromagnetic fields to the development of computers. He calls natural selection the ultimate algorithm, discusses genetics and the evolution of the central nervous system, and describes the role that computer imaging has played in understanding and modeling the brain. Having considered the behavior of the unique system that creates a mind, he turns to an unavoidable question: Is the human brain the only system that can host a mind? If digital minds come into existence—and, Oliveira says, it is difficult to argue that they will not—what are the social, legal, and ethical implications? Will digital minds be our partners, or our rivals?

Les informations fournies dans la section « Synopsis » peuvent faire référence à une autre édition de ce titre.

À propos de l?auteur

Arlindo Oliveira is President of Instituto Superior Técnico (Técnico Lisboa), where he is also Professor in the Computer Science and Engineering Department.

Les informations fournies dans la section « A propos du livre » peuvent faire référence à une autre édition de ce titre.

Éditeur
The MIT Press
Date d'édition
2017
Langue
anglais
ISBN 10 
0262036037
ISBN 13 
9780262036030
Reliure
Relié
Numéro d'édition
1
Nombre de pages
340
Coordonnées du fabricant
non disponible
Personne responsable
non disponible

Autres éditions populaires du même titre

9780262535236: The Digital Mind: How Science Is Redefining Humanity

Edition présentée

ISBN 10 :  0262535238 ISBN 13 :  9780262535236
Editeur : MIT Press, 2018
Couverture souple