Raising AI
An Essential Guide to Parenting Our Future
De Kai’s urgent book Raising AI reflects the ethical impacts of the Artificial Intelligence industry and moral quandaries raised by its influence on public and private life.
Drawing an analogy between artificial intelligences computer scientists code into existence and children, this book does the vital work of encouraging citizens and corporations alike to “parent” AI, raising it in much the same manner one would raise a child. The book delves into the unique challenges of machine learning, which causes algorithms to inherit humanity’s historical biases, spread misinformation, and ensnare users in echo chambers that amplify long-held beliefs through curated feeds. A strong argument is made for treating artificial intelligence as a childlike entity worthy of moral, ethical, and emotional investment.
This book delivers its compelling argument in a clear, concise, and candid manner. At times, it adopts a colloquial tone, yet it remains grounded in the tenets of computer science and technological ethics throughout. Positing that all internet-connected members of a society serve as the “parents” of algorithms and smart devices delivers hope among myriad examples of large technology conglomerates absconding their ethical and parental duties.
The arguments are grounded in the philosophical tenets of computer ethics and are enhanced by anecdotes from experiences at the cutting edge of technology. A quote from Peter Norvig, the founding director of Google Research, raises the question of whether or not AI can think critically. This and other ideas presented in this book may, at first glance, seem futuristic, but they are indicative of a deep understanding of AI and demonstrate decades of experience in the industry, lending credence to the predictions and prescriptive measures presented.
Raising AI is a compelling treatise grounded in studies of ethics and technology that charts a path toward greater understanding between biological and artificial intelligences.
Reviewed by
Caitlin Cacciatore
Disclosure: This article is not an endorsement, but a review. The publisher of this book provided free copies of the book to have their book reviewed by a professional reviewer. No fee was paid by the publisher for this review. Foreword Reviews only recommends books that we love. Foreword Magazine, Inc. is disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
