About this item
Highlights
- Acclaim for Are We Unique?
- About the Author: JAMES TREFIL is Robinson Professor of Physics at George Mason University.
- 256 Pages
- Medical, Neuroscience
Description
About the Book
In this fascinating book on an exciting and timely topic, James Trefil explores just exactly what it is that is so special about the human mind that sets us so far from all the other animals and that also makes it impossible to design a computer that could really think as we do. 10 illustrations.Book Synopsis
Acclaim for Are We Unique? ""In his masterful book, Trefil shares with readers some of the most recent research in neurology, evolution, primate research, computer science, and philosophy. Trefil's prose is lively and engaging."" --Boston Globe ""Trefil's race through the science that could explain the brain is highly readable."" --Sunday Times of London ""In a provocative essay, Trefil argues that the science of artificial intelligence is progressing rapidly. Machines, he theorizes, will one day develop a new kind of intelligence and self-awareness. So, maybe the real question is: Are we ready?"" --San Diego Union-Tribune ""A highly readable and engaging treatment of a fascinating question. Trefil makes a case for human uniqueness while at the same time celebrating the achievements of creations ranging from lobsters to neural nets. A provocative and enjoyable book."" --Daniel L. Schacter Professor and Chair of Psychology, Harvard University author of Searching for MemoryFrom the Back Cover
Acclaim for Are We Unique?"In his masterful book, Trefil shares with readers some of the most recent research in neurology, evolution, primate research, computer science, and philosophy. Trefil's prose is lively and engaging." --Boston Globe
"Trefil's race through the science that could explain the brain is highly readable." --Sunday Times of London
"In a provocative essay, Trefil argues that the science of artificial intelligence is progressing rapidly. Machines, he theorizes, will one day develop a new kind of intelligence and self-awareness. So, maybe the real question is: Are we ready?" --San Diego Union-Tribune
"A highly readable and engaging treatment of a fascinating question. Trefil makes a case for human uniqueness while at the same time celebrating the achievements of creations ranging from lobsters to neural nets. A provocative and enjoyable book." --Daniel L. Schacter Professor and Chair of Psychology, Harvard University author of Searching for Memory
About the Author
JAMES TREFIL is Robinson Professor of Physics at George Mason University. He is the author of fifteen books, including coauthorship of the bestselling Science Matters and the perennially popular Sharks Have No Bones. A regular contributor to Smithsonian magazine, he is also a science commentator for National Public Radio. Mr. Trefil lives in Fairfax, Virginia.