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Is Intelligence an Algorithm?
How do we understand the world around us? How do we solve problems? Often the answer to these questions follows a certain pattern, an algorithm if you wish. This is the case when our analytical left-brain side is at work. However, there are also elements in our behaviour where intelligence appears to follow a more elusive path, which cannot easily be characterised as a specific sequence of steps. Is Intelligence an Algorithm? offers an insight into intelligence as it functions in nature, like human or animal intelligence, but also sheds light on modern developments in the field of artificial intelligence, proposing further architectural solutions for the creation of a so-called global Webmind.
- GenresScience
184 pages, Paperback
Published January 26, 2018
3 people are currently reading
102 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
June 15, 2017
A WOW! book by the digital philosopher Antonin Tuynman! Written for the lay audience in a clear and precise language, oftentimes in a matter-of-fact fashion, Thought-provoking, original and delightfully enlightening! It's one of those books that one can find insights on every page. In this book, Tuynman tries to define intelligence through the lens of digital philosophy, presents his well-grounded hypothesis that intelligence functions as a kind of algorithm, and gives us practical advice how to improve our own intelligence and problem-solving skills. In the last few chapters, that I personally find the most fascinating part of the book, the author goes more technical with clear-cut recommendations how to create artificial consciousness. Inspired by works of other prominent thinkers in the field, the author argues that emergence is the key to evolution towards higher complexity, and why sooner rather than later, we should see the emergence of self-aware Global Brain, Webmind. Besides being a great read that I could recommend to anyone, the book is referenced, cross-referenced and an excellent quick reference resource by itself.
September 17, 2017
As a researcher in data science and management area, for me reading Tuynman’s ‘ Is intelligence an Algorithm’ was a refreshing break from other books in similar domain which are usually dominated by mathematics or computer science . In contrast with them, Tuynman provides a holistic perspective backed by solid research, on various dimensions of intelligence and how nature, humans and now computers take an algorithmic approach to solve any old or new problems. Illustrated in lucid manner, there are multiple practical techniques and heuristics explained in the book which can be directly applied in our day to day lives. Among them a structured template for writing informative articles is something which I have already started to apply in my own works.
It was interesting that author did gave enough stress on Emotional intelligence, as this is something which is usually not explained in detail in other books of this domain, but is important factor in almost all the decision making process of conscious beings . Authors take on Artificial Pathologies or computers gone wild as I like to call them, was interesting and amusing and touched the realm of science fiction, though it is getting very much real possibility day by day.
The book does touches upon non-algorithmic activities like Intuition too, connecting it with topics like quantum mechanics and collective consciousness, but I think they could have been discussed in more detail given the complexity of those ideas.
Overall I would recommend this book to all the readers who are interested in topics like consciousness , and how do we make sense of what is around us , and also want to explore the various aspects of problem solving skills in a structured format , either by humans or machines .
It was interesting that author did gave enough stress on Emotional intelligence, as this is something which is usually not explained in detail in other books of this domain, but is important factor in almost all the decision making process of conscious beings . Authors take on Artificial Pathologies or computers gone wild as I like to call them, was interesting and amusing and touched the realm of science fiction, though it is getting very much real possibility day by day.
The book does touches upon non-algorithmic activities like Intuition too, connecting it with topics like quantum mechanics and collective consciousness, but I think they could have been discussed in more detail given the complexity of those ideas.
Overall I would recommend this book to all the readers who are interested in topics like consciousness , and how do we make sense of what is around us , and also want to explore the various aspects of problem solving skills in a structured format , either by humans or machines .
July 16, 2017
"Is Intelligence an Algorithm?" is a fascinating review on intelligence underlying structures and technological possibilities: from primitive biophysical processes and fundamental functions of life to Quantum Information Processors and Webminds. Antonin explores the nature of Intelligence by looking it through diverse disciplinary lens inter alia Physics, Metaphysics, Computer Science, Biology, Theology and Network Science.
Most explanations about complex concepts are accompanied by practical cases and daily life implementations, because Intelligence, the ability to achieve complex goals, shouldn't be a purely theoretical matter. For instance, in chapters 6, 7 and 8, the abstract study of emotions is complemented by emotional control techniques and artificial analogues of mental pathologies.
Along your reading you'll find useful strategies and heuristics for problem solving that may improve your intelligence and productivity. All of this written in a thorough way and interleaved with Antonin’s experience and fearless imagination. Sometimes theoretical explorations take you so far that it can appear as pure fiction, but as Arthur Clarke well said “The only way to discover the limits of the possible is to go beyond them into the impossible”. No matter from where you come or where you go, I am sure if you are open to the mysteries of Intelligence this book will resonate with you.
Most explanations about complex concepts are accompanied by practical cases and daily life implementations, because Intelligence, the ability to achieve complex goals, shouldn't be a purely theoretical matter. For instance, in chapters 6, 7 and 8, the abstract study of emotions is complemented by emotional control techniques and artificial analogues of mental pathologies.
Along your reading you'll find useful strategies and heuristics for problem solving that may improve your intelligence and productivity. All of this written in a thorough way and interleaved with Antonin’s experience and fearless imagination. Sometimes theoretical explorations take you so far that it can appear as pure fiction, but as Arthur Clarke well said “The only way to discover the limits of the possible is to go beyond them into the impossible”. No matter from where you come or where you go, I am sure if you are open to the mysteries of Intelligence this book will resonate with you.
July 16, 2017
As a metaphysical artist, I found this book very stimulating. Mediating a middle path between metaphysics on one side A.I on the other so the each informs the other is a skillful trick to pull off. This author does it exceedingly well. I found validation for long held principles, new approaches to familiar ideas as well as entirely novel and lucid offerings . This book arrives at a time when boundaries between of materialist science, metaphysics and A.I are merging into each other largely due to the advent of the internet, itself a macroscopic nervous system – also a notion explored in the book. Applying the language A.I to the topic of Consciousness is appropriate for the age we live in and this book does it very well. Guaranteed to generate a state change.
November 14, 2017
Is Intelligence an Algorithm? is a great synopsis of the really important recent developments in AI and Cognitive Science - covering the work of the real leaders in these fields like Ben Goertzel and Guilio Tononi - as well as offering insights and speculations into less covered territory dealing with the psychology and sociology of AI [including one of my own ideas]-
the material presented is easy to read and understand despite the complexity of the subject matter- so recommended for both experts and novices alike-
near the end of the book the author presents an intriguing idea about how to achieve a "Wintermute/Neuromancer" like global AI through "waking up the internet" by establishing self-monitoring feedback systems at different levels in the network structure-
all together- I highly recommend it to anyone interested in Artificial Intelligence- a great way to get up-to-date on the latest developments-
the material presented is easy to read and understand despite the complexity of the subject matter- so recommended for both experts and novices alike-
near the end of the book the author presents an intriguing idea about how to achieve a "Wintermute/Neuromancer" like global AI through "waking up the internet" by establishing self-monitoring feedback systems at different levels in the network structure-
all together- I highly recommend it to anyone interested in Artificial Intelligence- a great way to get up-to-date on the latest developments-
October 12, 2017
Reading Tuynman's book was like a journey to the past and the future of our world. Very enjoyable book that has the backing of various school of thoughts. That’s another impressive part of book, the ability to draw all the diversity together to create a pragmatic and helpful solution that can be applied to one’s own field of expertise right after finishing the book.
January 19, 2018
I tried hard to read this book but it way beyond me. It is intellectually challenging and requires a lot of effort from the reader to understand it. This is nothing negative against the book - its that my patience levels are too less to spend reading it. I like the premise and I loved the first chapter.
June 27, 2017
Its a really fascinating book, I felt my mind expand and my intelligence increase whilst reading this. I would recommend this book to all who are ready for enlightenment where science meets spirituality. Get ready for your your mind to open.
July 30, 2017
Self-Help from the Webmind
Is Intelligence An Algorithm has a lofty goal – to show you 1) that the universe operates on an algorithmic basis, and 2), you, as part of the universe, can too. It’s how artificial intelligence systems are being designed and they, after all, are hyper-efficient. Tuynman raises wonderful questions, like: “We are nothing but aggregates of quantum processes. How can we be so sure that cause and effect, as we believe they exist, really do exist?”
In the best tradition of Claude Shannon, Tuynman strips away the noise and reduces the components to usable forces. Every living thing must be able to recognize itself and its environs, reason how it can benefit, and adapt what it finds to solve problems. So should you. Tuynman (as well as artificial intelligence) is big on the basics of who, what, where, when, why and how. Plus there is every possibility of turning the internet – with all its connections to things – into the ultimate global artificial intelligence tool – a world-scale webmind. So if you can make yourself sync with these principles, you will be more effective, efficient and successful.
Like the quantum physics it describes however, it is all over the place – at the same time. There is lots on emotions (ontologically mapped), personality types, brain anatomy, behavior therapy, Eckhart Tolle and Buddhism. It is universal and subatomic, physics and holistics, biology and code, science fiction and psychology, exploratory and prescriptive.
There are issues with the writing. English is not Tuynman’s first language, and he really could have used a native speaker editor. He loves bulky words that we don’t use any more, like wherefrom and thereof. Shakespeare would have felt comfortable, but in 21st century science or self-help books they slow you down. Tuynman switches from first person to third person; sometimes he is I and sometimes he is The Author. He thinks “noteworthy” requires no verb, and starts many (non)sentences with it. The text is full of pop culture references to films, tv series and games, which detract from the gravitas. He has an unusual habit of reusing endnotes, so Ben Goertzel, who he cites probably 30 times, has a superscript 2 after his name. After a while, it looks like Goertzel squared, and it adds no information. There are words obviously missing from sentences (“We must be vigilant to jump too quickly…”). And the book is lengthened immeasurably by the constant restating of what came before and what is to come, at the beginning and the end of every chapter. An editor would be well worth the investment, because the concept is terrific. If you keep in mind the key is to apply the algorithmic components/mindset in your own life, there is definite self-help value here.
David Wineberg
Is Intelligence An Algorithm has a lofty goal – to show you 1) that the universe operates on an algorithmic basis, and 2), you, as part of the universe, can too. It’s how artificial intelligence systems are being designed and they, after all, are hyper-efficient. Tuynman raises wonderful questions, like: “We are nothing but aggregates of quantum processes. How can we be so sure that cause and effect, as we believe they exist, really do exist?”
In the best tradition of Claude Shannon, Tuynman strips away the noise and reduces the components to usable forces. Every living thing must be able to recognize itself and its environs, reason how it can benefit, and adapt what it finds to solve problems. So should you. Tuynman (as well as artificial intelligence) is big on the basics of who, what, where, when, why and how. Plus there is every possibility of turning the internet – with all its connections to things – into the ultimate global artificial intelligence tool – a world-scale webmind. So if you can make yourself sync with these principles, you will be more effective, efficient and successful.
Like the quantum physics it describes however, it is all over the place – at the same time. There is lots on emotions (ontologically mapped), personality types, brain anatomy, behavior therapy, Eckhart Tolle and Buddhism. It is universal and subatomic, physics and holistics, biology and code, science fiction and psychology, exploratory and prescriptive.
There are issues with the writing. English is not Tuynman’s first language, and he really could have used a native speaker editor. He loves bulky words that we don’t use any more, like wherefrom and thereof. Shakespeare would have felt comfortable, but in 21st century science or self-help books they slow you down. Tuynman switches from first person to third person; sometimes he is I and sometimes he is The Author. He thinks “noteworthy” requires no verb, and starts many (non)sentences with it. The text is full of pop culture references to films, tv series and games, which detract from the gravitas. He has an unusual habit of reusing endnotes, so Ben Goertzel, who he cites probably 30 times, has a superscript 2 after his name. After a while, it looks like Goertzel squared, and it adds no information. There are words obviously missing from sentences (“We must be vigilant to jump too quickly…”). And the book is lengthened immeasurably by the constant restating of what came before and what is to come, at the beginning and the end of every chapter. An editor would be well worth the investment, because the concept is terrific. If you keep in mind the key is to apply the algorithmic components/mindset in your own life, there is definite self-help value here.
David Wineberg
December 13, 2017
Reviewed by James Guy
Putting his treatise in the form of a question, rather than an ontological answer, Antonin Tuynman’s “Is Intelligence an Algorithm?” opens us all up to an inviting, progressively expanding, and enlightening journey, deep into the very “idea” of “intelligence” – deeper perhaps than those non-techies, like myself, might ordinarily have a “mind” to follow. Surprisingly, whatever our level of expertise, we’re at first unaware that his skillful literary means of bringing us along is itself the “algorithmic” or step-by-step unfolding of the work, delivering conclusions and prospects in the form of traceable mappings and similes, starting with “Nature’s Meta-system transition algorithm,” or its pre- and post- biotic evolutionary strivings to achieve “synergy” or “emergence,” which he summarizes as “The Seven-step algorithm of Intelligence.” From then on, the book is a whirlwind of examples raising “the question” into realms as diverse as “writing more informative articles,” solving “complex problems,” anticipating the future of AI applied to the architecture of a “Webmind,” and, God forbid, raising the question of AC or artificial consciousness, thus making full circle back to the “intuitive,” eureka or “non-algorithmic” moment that perhaps formed “the question” in the first place.
The frontmatter of the book reveals that “Is Intelligence an Algorithm?” is perhaps only one volume in a trilogy of his work. And if the present volume is any example, he will be reinforcing each of those chapters by regularly citing professional friends and contemporaries, as well as those he calls “God fathers” of the topic, which by extension includes reference to the most ancient of resources, thus effectively kick-starting our mutual intellection, as well as intuition, into a transcendent as well as mundane “theory of mind,” perhaps even in our lifetime.
Of the many ideas put forth in word, glyph, and diagram, one I had never heard of before was most informative, the word “feedforward,” which is perhaps the missing paradigm in my own heuristic philosophy of mind.
Putting his treatise in the form of a question, rather than an ontological answer, Antonin Tuynman’s “Is Intelligence an Algorithm?” opens us all up to an inviting, progressively expanding, and enlightening journey, deep into the very “idea” of “intelligence” – deeper perhaps than those non-techies, like myself, might ordinarily have a “mind” to follow. Surprisingly, whatever our level of expertise, we’re at first unaware that his skillful literary means of bringing us along is itself the “algorithmic” or step-by-step unfolding of the work, delivering conclusions and prospects in the form of traceable mappings and similes, starting with “Nature’s Meta-system transition algorithm,” or its pre- and post- biotic evolutionary strivings to achieve “synergy” or “emergence,” which he summarizes as “The Seven-step algorithm of Intelligence.” From then on, the book is a whirlwind of examples raising “the question” into realms as diverse as “writing more informative articles,” solving “complex problems,” anticipating the future of AI applied to the architecture of a “Webmind,” and, God forbid, raising the question of AC or artificial consciousness, thus making full circle back to the “intuitive,” eureka or “non-algorithmic” moment that perhaps formed “the question” in the first place.
The frontmatter of the book reveals that “Is Intelligence an Algorithm?” is perhaps only one volume in a trilogy of his work. And if the present volume is any example, he will be reinforcing each of those chapters by regularly citing professional friends and contemporaries, as well as those he calls “God fathers” of the topic, which by extension includes reference to the most ancient of resources, thus effectively kick-starting our mutual intellection, as well as intuition, into a transcendent as well as mundane “theory of mind,” perhaps even in our lifetime.
Of the many ideas put forth in word, glyph, and diagram, one I had never heard of before was most informative, the word “feedforward,” which is perhaps the missing paradigm in my own heuristic philosophy of mind.
November 30, 2017
I began this book expecting it to be an analysis of how intelligence was an algorithm. But don't let the title fool you. This book is sooo much more! It's actually an exploration of intelligence itself and all things related. Not only what it is. And how how it relates to our own emotions, reasoning, intuition, and the hard problem of consciousness itself. But also how we can utilize our own intelligence in the most optimal fashion (with profound strategies given in a clear and readable way). As well as an exciting exploration of the future of intelligence as it relates to artificial intelligence and artificial consciousness.
So, I fully recommend this as a great read to anyone interested in the fields of intelligence, artificial intelligence, consciousness, futurism, and/or transhumanism. And it's worth a read based on its novel breakdown of the 'webmind' alone. But it is also full of incredibly useful ideas such as 'e-prime language.' Which I will be eternally thankful to this book for introducing me to.
March 6, 2018
Tuynman brings two gifts to bear on this topic -- a creative mind capable of making insightful connections, and a facility with communicative language with which to explain these connections in the most fluid of terms. Combining these, this book does an outstanding job of introducing ideas like the progression of complexity through stages both observed and rationally projected to come in the future, of the cognitive processes which arise during these steps, and of the reasoning processes which arise from these cognitive processes. He dives therefrom into straightening out dizzying further implications of how these might manifest in the coming technology of artificial intelligence and artificial consciousness (especially in a potential quantum computing environment). Throughout, the book ties together the ideas of a world class selection of theorists on the grounds of reality and consciousness, and rises up to be much greater than the sum of its parts.
September 20, 2017
Do you wish to improve your intelligence? Then we’ll first have to figure out what “intelligence” actually is.
Join me on a journey that starts with Nature’s ways to generate complexity. I will show you that from bacterial wisdom to the quagmire of human social interactions the same steps are followed to generate so-called “meta-system transitions”, where singleton entities organise into societies and finally into new emergent entities built there from.
In this book I will not only dissect intelligence into elements of cognition, pattern recognition, reasoning, problem-solving and diversity generation, I will also venture into the more elusive realms of emotions and intuition.
From these concepts I will provide strategies, heuristics and architectural plans to create a new generation of Artificial Intelligence. A conceptualisation of Artificial Consciousness and a blueprint for a quasi-conscious Artificial Webmind.
And as a bonus I will provide you with tools. Tools to organise your thoughts, tools to solve any kind of problem, tools to navigate through the wild waves of our emotions.
This is the abstraction of the dissecting knife of the intellect and the great integrator of cliques allowing to spawn a plethora of novel and inventive solutions which are screened and pruned to generate an apotheosis of ever increasing complexity.
This is the book that reveals nature’s inherent simple algorithm to achieve complex goals in complex environments.
By Antonin Tuynman, the author of this book.
Join me on a journey that starts with Nature’s ways to generate complexity. I will show you that from bacterial wisdom to the quagmire of human social interactions the same steps are followed to generate so-called “meta-system transitions”, where singleton entities organise into societies and finally into new emergent entities built there from.
In this book I will not only dissect intelligence into elements of cognition, pattern recognition, reasoning, problem-solving and diversity generation, I will also venture into the more elusive realms of emotions and intuition.
From these concepts I will provide strategies, heuristics and architectural plans to create a new generation of Artificial Intelligence. A conceptualisation of Artificial Consciousness and a blueprint for a quasi-conscious Artificial Webmind.
And as a bonus I will provide you with tools. Tools to organise your thoughts, tools to solve any kind of problem, tools to navigate through the wild waves of our emotions.
This is the abstraction of the dissecting knife of the intellect and the great integrator of cliques allowing to spawn a plethora of novel and inventive solutions which are screened and pruned to generate an apotheosis of ever increasing complexity.
This is the book that reveals nature’s inherent simple algorithm to achieve complex goals in complex environments.
By Antonin Tuynman, the author of this book.
May 23, 2017
I am a big fan on Antonin Tuynman's writing. I particularly like his willingness to marry far-future technology with ancient religious and philosophical thought, such as Vedanta. He is also one of the most adept futurists in exploring fringe concepts and ideas, from quantum computers to the Singularity and the Simulation hypothesis. His latest work caught me by surprise. Initially, I was a little disappointed that some of the cool tech concepts toned down. But, the payoff for me was that this is Antonin's most accessible work. It's not just accessible, it's practical. Instead of just discussing algorithms and intelligence, he gives you advice on how to use the information, including how these algorithms can improve your own reasoning abilities and memory skills.
The book is also a primer if you're interested -- or worried about -- the coming wave of AI-driven technologies.
Later, he does discuss the wider implications of his findings.
All said, it's a must read for those thinking hard about the ever-increasing effect that intelligence and artificial intelligence will have on our lives and our future.
The book is also a primer if you're interested -- or worried about -- the coming wave of AI-driven technologies.
Later, he does discuss the wider implications of his findings.
All said, it's a must read for those thinking hard about the ever-increasing effect that intelligence and artificial intelligence will have on our lives and our future.
July 8, 2017
I did my best to comprehend all the ideas in this book which are vast and encompass many subjects, Including; aspects of religion, psychology, AI, evolution. As well as giving us ideas for coping skills to living in this world and being part of society. Anton, explains his subject very well and even gives the reader a mechanism to organize and improve the processes of their thoughts though. The later I will be experimenting with to try out its effectiveness properly over the next few months. Also the book is well thought out and points out that if we are not careful we could introduce a global AI that may not be quite what we were looking for or expecting due to its vastness of intelligence and complexity. After i had read this book, it fired my personal imagination for its thought provoking content.
June 16, 2017
I enjoyed reading Tuynman's this new book. Many essential topics for intelligence well-weaved together in a compact volume.
Tuynman first goes about laying out what counts as algorithm. Then he draws its ramification for intellience in general, as well as for A.I..
He evetually moves on to discuss intuition as the sphere of intelligence not lending itself to an algorithmic construction. For Tuynman intuition reflects a vast entanglement working across collective consciousness of the human species, and as such it functions beyond the realm of algorithm.
I would recommend it to anyone who wants to pick up some central issues of intelligence and consciousness and their relevance to A.I.
Tuynman first goes about laying out what counts as algorithm. Then he draws its ramification for intellience in general, as well as for A.I..
He evetually moves on to discuss intuition as the sphere of intelligence not lending itself to an algorithmic construction. For Tuynman intuition reflects a vast entanglement working across collective consciousness of the human species, and as such it functions beyond the realm of algorithm.
I would recommend it to anyone who wants to pick up some central issues of intelligence and consciousness and their relevance to A.I.
July 3, 2017
I just finished this excellent book that introduced me to how intelligence can be understood as algorithm. Along the way Tuynman supports his proposal with evidence from varying sciences. Chapter 5 presents a useful template for how to organize writing and thought that I found particularly helpful. And its a pleasant read too.
February 6, 2018
Very fascinating, and deeply enlighting book! I highly recommend it without any doubt!
A rare concoction of theoretical, practical and spiritual prospectives in explaining the complex mechanism of intelligence and consciousness.
As an AI scientist myself, this book really helped me at gaining unconventional insight towards my researches.
I want to thank Antonin Tuynman for the amazing work!!
Athena
A rare concoction of theoretical, practical and spiritual prospectives in explaining the complex mechanism of intelligence and consciousness.
As an AI scientist myself, this book really helped me at gaining unconventional insight towards my researches.
I want to thank Antonin Tuynman for the amazing work!!
Athena
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews