From Algorithms to Thinking Machines

This book introduces and provides an analysis of the basic concepts of algorithms, data, and computation and discusses the role of algorithms in ruling and shaping our world. It provides a clear understanding of the power and impact on humanity of the pervasive use of algorithms. From Algorithms to Thinking Machines combines a layman's approach with a well-founded scientific description to discuss both principles and applications of algorithms, Big Data, and machine intelligence. The book provides a clear and deep description of algorithms, software systems, data-driven applications, machine learning, and data science concepts, as well as the evolution and impact of artificial intelligence. After introducing computing concepts, the book examines the relationships between algorithms and human work, discussing how jobs are being affected and how computers and software programs are influencing human life and the labor sphere. Topics such as value alignment, collective intelligence, Big Data impact, automatic decision methods, social control, and political uses of algorithms are illustrated and discussed at length without excessive technical detail. Issues related to how corporations, governments, and autocratic regimes are exploiting algorithms and machine intelligence methods to influence people, laws, and markets are extensively addressed. Ethics principles in software programming and human value insertion into artificial intelligence algorithms are also discussed.