In Our Own Image

Savior or Destroyer? The History and Future of Artificial Intelligence

George Zarkadakis

A timely and important book that explores the history and future, as well as the societal and ethical implications, of Artificial Intelligence as we approach the cusp of a fourth industrial revolution

Zarkadakis explores one of humankind's oldest love-hate relationships—our ties with artificial intelligence, or AI. He traces AI's origins in ancient myth, through literary classics like Frankenstein, to today's sci-fi blockbusters, arguing that a fascination with AI is hardwired into the human psyche. He explains AI's history, technology, and potential; its manifestations in intelligent machines; its connections to neurology and consciousness, as well as—perhaps most tellingly—what AI reveals about us as human beings.

In Our Own Image argues that we are on the brink of a fourth industrial revolution—poised to enter the age of Artificial Intelligence as science fiction becomes science fact. Ultimately, Zarkadakis observes, the fate of AI has profound implications for the future of science and humanity itself.

George Zarkadakis has a PhD in Artificial Intelligence. He has worked for various companies and organizations, including Accenture and Silicon Graphics, and is currently a digital transformation consultant and web entrepreneur. Awarded a knighthood by the French government for his international work in science communication, Zarkadakis writes for several international publications including the Daily Telegraph, the Huffington Post and Aeon magazine. He lives in London.

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Endorsements & Reviews

"Is the human race really racing down the road to its own extinction through the engineering of AIs that are smarter than we are? AI expert Zarkadakis explores this and related questions with remarkable ingenuity, clarity and breadth, weaving together a tapestry of material drawn from a range of disciplines—not only computer science but history, philosophy, psychology and neuroscience." Scientific American Mind

"A delightfully lucid combination of the history, philosophy, and science behind thinking machines." Kirkus Reviews

"A mindful and historical look at the hope, hype and reality of artificial consciousness." Stuart Hameroff, author of CONSCIOUSNESS AND THE UNIVERSE

"Zarkadakis rigorously and richly weaves together narrative threads on technology, philosophy, and literature to provide a fascinating history of AI. The most comprehensive history of AI for our digital age. With a rare combination of literary know-how and scientific knowledge, he demonstrates a keen ability to convey scientific, philosophical, and technical expertise." Publishers Weekly

"George Zarkadakis knows AI. Unlike a lot of the people writing and thinking about it, he has real cultural breadth, too." AEON Magazine

"Fascinating and rich. Interweaves sci-fi visions with explorations of the philosophy, technology and deep history of artificial super-intelligence." The Financial Times