Facing up to artificial intelligence

THIS is a timely and provocative anthology on a theme that has fascinated scientists, philosophers and SF writers for decades. The "singularity" occurs when artificial intelligence (AI) exceeds that of humans and AIs design new technologies beyond our understanding. Its realisation would bring massive and unpredictable changes to civilisation and the environment. The book's symposium structure has a "target" paper by philosopher David J Chalmers which elicits a range of articles in response and it concludes with a response from the same author, while the editor's introduction establishes the history of the singularity concept, highlights the interdisciplinary debates it generates and provides an accessible way into the language and logical arguments employed in later, more challenging pieces. Chalmers argues that human-level AI is likely to be created in a century or so, unless prevented by disaster, legislation or direct action. If AI is created, AI -- representing greater than human intelligence -- is likely to follow within decades and, a few years after, the world would see AI systems with much greater than human intelligence.