Top 10 Must-Read Books on Artificial Intelligence in 2021
Artificial intelligence (AI) is one of the most disruptive technologies of our time, and its impact on society is only going to increase in the coming years. As businesses and governments continue to invest in AI, it’s becoming more important than ever to stay informed on the latest trends, advances, and challenges in the field. Whether you’re an AI practitioner, a business leader, or just someone who’s curious about the future of technology, these top 10 books on artificial intelligence are must-reads for 2021.
1. “Human Compatible: Artificial Intelligence and the Problem of Control” by Stuart Russell
Stuart Russell, a computer science professor at UC Berkeley, argues that we need to radically re-think our approach to AI if we want to avoid catastrophic outcomes. In “Human Compatible,” he advocates for a new paradigm in AI research that prioritizes human values and goals over raw efficiency, and raises important questions about the nature of intelligence and our relationship with machines.
2. “The Alignment Problem: Machine Learning and Human Values” by Brian Christian
In “The Alignment Problem,” Brian Christian explores the ethical, social, and economic implications of advanced machine learning algorithms that are being developed today. He argues that AI can only be truly beneficial to society if it’s aligned with our values, and offers a compelling case for why we need to prioritize transparency, fairness, and accountability in AI development.
3. “The Big Nine: How the Tech Titans and Their Thinking Machines Could Warp Humanity” by Amy Webb
Amy Webb, a prominent futurist and founder of the Future Today Institute, takes a critical look at the role of the world’s largest tech companies in shaping the future of AI. In “The Big Nine,” she argues that the dominance of a handful of companies in the AI field poses a serious threat to privacy, security, and democracy, and suggests ways we can work to ensure a more diverse and collaborative approach to AI development.
4. “AI Superpowers: China, Silicon Valley, and the New World Order” by Kai-Fu Lee
Kai-Fu Lee, a former Google and Microsoft executive and prominent AI investor, offers a unique perspective on the global race for AI supremacy. In “AI Superpowers,” he contrasts the approaches of China and the United States to AI development and argues that China is poised to surpass the US in many key areas. He also offers insights into how AI is likely to impact the job market, and makes the case for why we need to prepare for a radically different future.
5. “Prediction Machines: The Simple Economics of Artificial Intelligence” by Ajay Agrawal, Joshua Gans, and Avi Goldfarb
In “Prediction Machines,” three leading economists explore the economics of AI and its potential impact on business and society. They argue that AI will fundamentally change the way we make predictions, and make the case that businesses need to start thinking strategically about how to use AI to create value and gain competitive advantage. The book offers a simple, accessible introduction to key economic concepts that underpin AI, along with practical insights for business leaders.
6. “AI Ethics” edited by Markus D. Dubber and Frank Pasquale
“AI Ethics” is a collection of essays from leading scholars, philosophers, and experts in the field, exploring some of the most pressing ethical questions facing AI today. The book covers topics such as algorithmic bias, privacy, accountability, and the role of governments and corporations in guiding AI development. It offers a diverse range of perspectives and arguments, making it an essential resource for anyone working in or interested in AI ethics.
7. “Deep Learning” by Ian Goodfellow, Yoshua Bengio, and Aaron Courville
“Deep Learning” is perhaps the most authoritative textbook on the topic of deep learning, a subset of machine learning that’s driving many of the latest breakthroughs in AI. The book offers a comprehensive overview of the fundamental principles of deep learning, along with practical insights for building and training deep neural networks. It’s essential reading for anyone looking to develop a deep understanding of this rapidly evolving field.
8. “Rebooting AI: Building Artificial Intelligence We Can Trust” by Gary Marcus and Ernest Davis
In “Rebooting AI,” Gary Marcus and Ernest Davis offer a critical look at the current state of AI and argue that we need to fundamentally rethink our approach if we want to build systems that we can truly trust. They highlight some of the key limitations of deep learning and other current AI methods, and offer a roadmap for developing more robust, explainable, and human-friendly AI systems.
9. “Artificial Intelligence: A Guide for Thinking Humans” by Melanie Mitchell
Melanie Mitchell, a computer science and AI professor at Portland State University, offers a clear and accessible introduction to the world of AI in “Artificial Intelligence: A Guide for Thinking Humans.” The book covers various aspects of AI, from its history and fundamental principles to the latest advances in machine learning and natural language processing. Mitchell also provides insights into some of the key challenges and ethical considerations surrounding AI.
10. “AIQ: How People and Machines Are Smarter Together” by Nick Polson and James Scott
In “AIQ,” Nick Polson and James Scott explore the concept of “augmented intelligence,” which involves combining human and machine intelligence to solve complex problems. The book offers a behind-the-scenes look at some of the cutting-edge AI technologies being developed today, and provides examples of how they’re being used to tackle everything from healthcare to finance. The authors make a compelling case for why AI shouldn’t be seen as a threat to human intelligence, but rather as a tool for enhancing it.
Conclusion
These top 10 books on artificial intelligence offer a diverse range of perspectives and insights into one of the most important technologies of our time. Whether you’re looking for an in-depth exploration of the latest AI research and development, or simply want to gain a better understanding of the ethical and societal implications of AI, these books are essential reads for anyone who wants to stay informed and ahead of the curve. By staying up-to-date on the latest trends and advances in AI, we can better prepare for a future in which intelligent machines play an increasingly important role in our lives.
