There is a widely held conception that progress in science and technology is our salvation, and the more of it, the better. This, however, is an oversimplified and even dangerous attitude. While the future will certainly offer huge changes due to such progress, it is far from certain that all of these changes will be for the better. The unprecedented rate of technological development that the 20th century witnessed has made our lives today vastly different from those in 1900. No slowdown is in sight, and the 21st century will most likely see even more revolutionary changes than the 20th, due to advances in science, technology and medicine. Particular areas where extraordinary and perhaps disruptive advances can be expected include biotechnology, nanotechnology, and machine intelligence. We may also look forward various ways to enhance human cognitive and other abilities using, e.g., pharmaceuticals, genetic engineering or machine-brain interfaces - perhaps to the extent of changing human nature beyond what we currently think of as human, and into a posthuman era. The potential benefits of all these technologies are enormous, but so are the risks, including the possibility of human extinction. This book is a passionate plea for doing our best to map the territories ahead of us, and for acting with foresight, so as to maximize our chances of reaping the benefits of the new technologies while avoiding the dangers.

About the Author

Olle Haggstrom, Professor of mathematical statistics, Chalmers University of Technology

Olle Haggstrom is a professor of mathematical statistics at Chalmers University of Technology and a member of the Nobel Prize awarding Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences. His most noted research achievements are in probability theory, but his cross-disciplinary research interests are wide-ranging and include climate science, artificial intelligence, and philosophy. He has more than 80 publications in scientific journals, and is a prolific science blogger.

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.

Store Description

We are dedicated to providing customers with easy, flawless transactions and excellent books! We provide 100% customer satisfaction and are always here to answer any questions or concerns for our customers.

Visit Seller's Storefront

Seller's business information

Farm For Books Inc
1734 Bellaire Street, Denver, CO, 80220, U.S.A.

Sale & Shipping Terms

Terms of Sale

Shipping Terms

Shipping rates within U.S.A.

Shipping rates within U.S.A.
Order quantity	4 to 14 business days	3 to 8 business days
First item	US$ 5.50	US$ 12.75

Delivery times are set by sellers and vary by carrier and location. Orders passing through Customs may face delays and buyers are responsible for any associated duties or fees. Sellers may contact you regarding additional charges to cover any increased costs to ship your items.