Science, ideas, scientists

"Artificial intelligence - hopes and fears" Brockman John
Back in 1950, the American mathematician, founder of cybernetics and artificial intelligence theory, Norbert Wiener published the work of the human application of human beings (in Russian translation - "cybernetics and society") , in which he expressed his fears associated with the development of artificial intelligence.
Now, in the 21st century, the problem looks even more urgent. Our computer dependence has become total. Entertainment, purchases, work, study - almost everything is concentrated in gadgets the size of a palm. Guided by convenience and - what a sin to hide? - laziness, we shift to the AI ​​part of the annoying and boring functions, and often trust him and make decisions.
So far, on the wave of euphoria from the open prospects, the advantages of artificial intelligence seem indisputable, but it will not work out so that lovely amenities. which we have received now, during the period of "infancy" of artificial intelligence, will turn into major troubles when the "baby" matures and look at the "parents" with a critical look? > Peter Godfri-Smith (b. 1965)-Australian marine biologist and philosopher of science, professor of Sydney University. His bestseller "other minds" made a real revolution in our understanding of the cephalopods of mollusks: according to the author, these animals are an "alternative experiment of evolution to create highly developed intelligence." The author, an experienced scuba diver, constantly observing octopus and karakatits in their natural habitat, is convinced that these organisms are demonstrated by outstanding cognitive abilities and an amazingly high level of mental complexity.
A person is an animal endowed with reason - it is difficult to argue with this fact. At the same time, it is generally accepted that in a civilized society a reasonable beginning prevails over the animal. But is it really so? What is human morality that has undergone radical changes for many centuries? How are altruism and the struggle for survival, the sexual revolution and the theory of the evolution of Darwin? Honor, conscience, friendship, nobility - are all this really only the words that the bare instinct is hidden?
Analyzing these questions and wittyly using the biography of Charles Darwin and its "origin of the species" and the famous work of France de Valya as an example Politics with chimpanzees", Robert Wright comes to very curious conclusions ...

"genetics of genius" Efroimson Vladimir Pavlovich
High mental activity, especially in its most vivid manifestation - genius, has attracted attention for millennia. of people. The works and biographical studies devoted to genius and geniuses are innumerable, but almost all of them consider genius as something irrational, not amenable to analysis and explanation.
Having stolen and generalized a huge number of biographical data and research in the field of history, psychology and medicine, Vladimir Efroimson He tried to identify the mechanisms of stimulation of intelligence, sources of outstanding giftedness and the conditions in which it manifests itself and reveals in its entirety. Based on the analysis, he concluded about the existence of gigantic reserve capabilities of the brain of an ordinary, non -agent person and outlined the ways that, in his opinion, will put the "production" of geniuses on the stream and allow humanity to reach a qualitatively new level of intellectual and spiritual development