In Our Own Image

We humans have love-hate

relationships with many things. One of the oldest and
most complex is our relationship with Artificial
Intelligence, or AI. In Our Own Image explores our ties
with AI. Zarkadakis investigates AIs origins in ancient
myth, through literary classics such as Mary
Shelleys Frankenstein to the sci-fi blockbusters of today.
Our fascination with AI is, argues the author, hardwired
into our brain, and it tells a huge amount about what it
means to be human. This book argues that we are on the
brink of a new industrial revolution where Artificial
Intelligence will turn science fiction into science fact.
Ultimately, says Zarkadakis, the future of AI has profound
implications for the future of society, politics and
humanity itself.

There are two core arguments here firstly that the quest
for Artificial Intelligence is due to our evolutionary
emotional make-up as primates that is to say its
impossible to separate our desire to construct intelligent
machines from the deepest primal instincts that define us.
This book backs up this standpoint with case studies from
cognitive archaeology, as well as literature and cinema.
Secondly, that consciousness is probably impossible to
code into a conventional computer. Many notable
scientists argue that machine consciousness will occur
due to exponentially increasing computing power
(according to Moores Law). However, Zarkadakis
disagrees, as he approaches the subject of AI from four
main angles;
Cognitive archaeology and neuroscience why do we
feel compelled to produce artefacts with intelligence
that look and behave like us; what are the cognitive
aspects of our brain that make us who we are; and
what do we now about the neural basis of
consciousness;
Literature how do conflicting narratives of AI shape
our thinking, expectations and understanding of it,
for example fear (Frankenstein, Matrix) versus love
(Bicentennial Man, AI Movie);

 Philosophy how the dichotomy between empiricism

and idealism, as well as conflicting ideas about the
nature of mind and intelligence, have had a lock-in
effect in the development of modern computer
technology;
Technology the evolution of modern computers
from ancient automata and robots, to future cyborgs
and androids; and how AI will accelerate innovation
in the era of big data and the internet of things.
In Our Own Image also asks questions such as how AI
could influence our politics, economy and society. Could
big data together with AI help transform civilisation for the
better? Or will AI machines take over the world, and if so
under what circumstances?
See a short video where I explain the three main
questions about Artificial Intelligence addressed in the
book.