Fans pick 100 books like 2084

By John C. Lennox,

Here are 100 books that 2084 fans have personally recommended if you like 2084. Shepherd is a community of 12,000+ authors and super readers sharing their favorite books with the world.

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Book cover of Human Compatible: Artificial Intelligence and the Problem of Control

Dean Anthony & Sarah-Jayne Gratton Author Of Playing God with Artificial Intelligence

From my list on groundbreaking books on the future of AI.

Why are we passionate about this?

Coming from two very different backgrounds gives Dean and I a unique ‘view’ of a topic that we are both hugely passionate about: artificial intelligence. Our work together has gifted us a broader perspective in terms of understanding the development of and the philosophy beneath what is coined as artificial intelligence today and where we truly stand in terms of its potential for good – and evil. Our book list is intended to provide a great starting point from where you can jump into this incredibly absorbing topic and draw your own conclusions about where the future might take us.

Dean's book list on groundbreaking books on the future of AI

Dean Anthony & Sarah-Jayne Gratton Why did Dean love this book?

What sets this book apart for us is its focus on rethinking the very foundations of AI. The author, Russell, thoughtfully examines the concept of intelligence itself, comparing humans and machines and outlining the necessary milestones for reaching superhuman AI. 

He also doesn't shy away from the current dangers of AI misuse, providing some really great examples.

We found the book very hard to put down, and it raised so many ‘What if?” questions for us!

By Stuart Russell,

Why should I read it?

3 authors picked Human Compatible as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A leading artificial intelligence researcher lays out a new approach to AI that will enable us to coexist successfully with increasingly intelligent machines

In the popular imagination, superhuman artificial intelligence is an approaching tidal wave that threatens not just jobs and human relationships, but civilization itself. Conflict between humans and machines is seen as inevitable and its outcome all too predictable.

In this groundbreaking book, distinguished AI researcher Stuart Russell argues that this scenario can be avoided, but only if we rethink AI from the ground up. Russell begins by exploring the idea of intelligence in humans and in machines.…


Book cover of The Ethos of Artificial Intelligence: Using AI to Promote the Good Life While Avoiding Harm

Dean Anthony & Sarah-Jayne Gratton Author Of Playing God with Artificial Intelligence

From my list on groundbreaking books on the future of AI.

Why are we passionate about this?

Coming from two very different backgrounds gives Dean and I a unique ‘view’ of a topic that we are both hugely passionate about: artificial intelligence. Our work together has gifted us a broader perspective in terms of understanding the development of and the philosophy beneath what is coined as artificial intelligence today and where we truly stand in terms of its potential for good – and evil. Our book list is intended to provide a great starting point from where you can jump into this incredibly absorbing topic and draw your own conclusions about where the future might take us.

Dean's book list on groundbreaking books on the future of AI

Dean Anthony & Sarah-Jayne Gratton Why did Dean love this book?

A fantastic, non-techy read that cuts through the AI fear-mongering in a way that is both hopeful and practical. 

The authors work well together to craft a story of how we arrived at this point in time, where our ever-evolving research could lead us, and the practical solutions needed to enable us to move forward in a world governed by the complex and rapidly changing landscape of AI.

By Joe Danielewicz, Kirstin Thomas,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Ethos of Artificial Intelligence as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The public debut of ChatGPT was a watershed moment. It awakened us to the fact that general artificial intelligence—a technology that had long been a source of fantasy and fiction—was finally here and operating among us. For the first time in history, ordinary citizens could converse directly with an AI chatbot. The thrill of this 'first encounter' with artificial general intelligence, coupled with the astonishing capabilities that AI chatbots displayed, gave rise to concerns about whether AI was sentient or self-aware. Although we have been using AI-assisted applications for years in such forms as facial recognition and language translation, our…


Book cover of In Silico Dreams: How Artificial Intelligence and Biotechnology Will Create the Medicines of the Future

Dean Anthony & Sarah-Jayne Gratton Author Of Playing God with Artificial Intelligence

From my list on groundbreaking books on the future of AI.

Why are we passionate about this?

Coming from two very different backgrounds gives Dean and I a unique ‘view’ of a topic that we are both hugely passionate about: artificial intelligence. Our work together has gifted us a broader perspective in terms of understanding the development of and the philosophy beneath what is coined as artificial intelligence today and where we truly stand in terms of its potential for good – and evil. Our book list is intended to provide a great starting point from where you can jump into this incredibly absorbing topic and draw your own conclusions about where the future might take us.

Dean's book list on groundbreaking books on the future of AI

Dean Anthony & Sarah-Jayne Gratton Why did Dean love this book?

We found this book to be an eye-opening exploration of the revolutionary merging of artificial intelligence and biotechnology. Brian Hilbush expertly guided us through the cutting-edge advancements that are transforming drug discovery and therapeutics without being too technical or scientific in his use of language.

We found Hilbush’s story to be a fascinating breakdown of how AI and deep learning are revolutionizing medicine, with some great insights into the rise of data science in healthcare, groundbreaking biotech innovations, and the exciting startup landscape shaping the industry's future.

By Brian S. Hilbush,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked In Silico Dreams as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Learn how AI and data science are upending the worlds of biology and medicine

In Silico Dreams: How Artificial Intelligence and Biotechnology Will Create the Medicines of the Future delivers an illuminating and fresh perspective on the convergence of two powerful technologies: AI and biotech. Accomplished genomics expert, executive, and author Brian Hilbush offers readers a brilliant exploration of the most current work of pioneering tech giants and biotechnology startups who have already started disrupting healthcare. The book provides an in-depth understanding of the sources of innovation that are driving the shift in the pharmaceutical industry away from serendipitous therapeutic…


Book cover of From Deep Learning to Rational Machines: What the History of Philosophy Can Teach Us about the Future of Artificial Intelligence

Dean Anthony & Sarah-Jayne Gratton Author Of Playing God with Artificial Intelligence

From my list on groundbreaking books on the future of AI.

Why are we passionate about this?

Coming from two very different backgrounds gives Dean and I a unique ‘view’ of a topic that we are both hugely passionate about: artificial intelligence. Our work together has gifted us a broader perspective in terms of understanding the development of and the philosophy beneath what is coined as artificial intelligence today and where we truly stand in terms of its potential for good – and evil. Our book list is intended to provide a great starting point from where you can jump into this incredibly absorbing topic and draw your own conclusions about where the future might take us.

Dean's book list on groundbreaking books on the future of AI

Dean Anthony & Sarah-Jayne Gratton Why did Dean love this book?

Don't be fooled by the lack of a breezy narrative. This read is a dense exploration of deep learning's impact and is certainly not an ‘easy read’ by any measure, but its rewards are substantial.

Buckner delves deep into the philosophical debates surrounding AI, particularly the clash between empiricism and rationalism. Through this lens, he develops a "moderate empiricism" that sheds light on the true potential and limitations of AI. While the book demands focus, we found the payoff to be significant.

By Cameron J. Buckner,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked From Deep Learning to Rational Machines as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

This book provides a framework for thinking about foundational philosophical questions surrounding the use of deep artificial neural networks ("deep learning") to achieve artificial intelligence. Specifically, it links recent breakthroughs to classic works in empiricist philosophy of mind. In recent assessments of deep learning's potential, scientists have cited historical figures from the philosophical debate between nativism and empiricism, which concerns the origins of abstract knowledge. These empiricists were faculty psychologists; that is, they argued that the extraction of abstract knowledge from experience involves the active engagement of psychological faculties such as perception, memory, imagination, attention, and empathy. This book explains…


Book cover of Re-Enchanting the Earth: Why AI Needs Religion

John D. Caputo Author Of What to Believe? Twelve Brief Lessons in Radical Theology

From my list on now that religion has made itself unbelievable.

Why am I passionate about this?

I grew up in a world steeped in pre-Vatican II Catholicism including four years spent in a Catholic religious order. My theological training led me to philosophy, to question my theology, and to my life as a philosophy professor. There's a blaze of light in every word, Leonard Cohen says, so I've been seeking the blaze of light in the word God. My idea is that God is neither a real being nor an unreal illusion but the focus imaginarius of a desire beyond desire, and the “kingdom of God” is what the world would look like if the blaze of light in the name of God held sway, not the powers of darkness.

John's book list on now that religion has made itself unbelievable

John D. Caputo Why did John love this book?

For me, Ilia Delio represents a new breed of theologian.

She started out as a scientist (Ph.D. in pharmacology, specializing in brain science), then tried being a contemplative nun, then joined an active order of Franciscans as a theology professor (PhD in process theology). She brings this marvelous mix to the problem of AI, which is proving to be as much a poison as a cure, something that will save us unless it kills us first.

But AI is not the problem and religion is not the solution, she says. It is the misuse of AI and religion as it presently exists which puts them at odds. This is what theology will look like in the future if it expects to survive, indeed if we expect to survive.

By Ilia Delio,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Re-Enchanting the Earth as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

In her latest book, scientist and theologian Ilia Delio takes up the challenge of reconciling evolution and religion with particular attention to the role of Artificial Intelligence. She argues that AI represents the latest extension of human evolution, which has implications not only for science but also for religion. If the "first axial age" gave rise to the great religions, she sees us now on the cusp of a "second axial age," in which AI, oriented by new religious sensibilities, can bring about an ecological re-enchantment of the earth.


Book cover of Artifictional Intelligence: Against Humanity's Surrender to Computers

Peter J. Bentley Author Of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics: Ten Short Lessons

From my list on no hype and no nonsense artificial intelligence.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve been a geeky kid all my life. (I don’t think I’ve quite grown up yet.) Born in the 1970s, my childhood was a wonderful playground of building robots and software. I was awarded one of the early degrees in AI, and a PhD in genetic algorithms. I’ve since spent 25 years exploring how to make computers think, build, invent, compose… and I’ve also spent 20 years writing popular science books. I’m lucky enough to be a Professor in one of the world’s best universities for Computer Science and Machine Learning: UCL, and I guess I’ve written two or three hundred scientific papers over the years. I still think I know nothing at all about real or artificial intelligence, but then does anyone?

Peter's book list on no hype and no nonsense artificial intelligence

Peter J. Bentley Why did Peter love this book?

I’ve not met Harry, but he seems to have a logical and sensible head on his shoulders. His writing is considered and grounded, which is exactly what you need when discussing the hype that forever seems to surround AI. This book is another look at this topic and finds yet more ways to explain to readers the difference between human intelligence and our algorithmic attempts at intelligence – which are frequently pretty stupid.

By Harry Collins,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Artifictional Intelligence as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Recent startling successes in machine intelligence using a technique called 'deep learning' seem to blur the line between human and machine as never before. Are computers on the cusp of becoming so intelligent that they will render humans obsolete? Harry Collins argues we are getting ahead of ourselves, caught up in images of a fantastical future dreamt up in fictional portrayals. The greater present danger is that we lose sight of the very real limitations of artificial intelligence and readily enslave ourselves to stupid computers: the 'Surrender'.

By dissecting the intricacies of language use and meaning, Collins shows how far…


Book cover of AI Superpowers: China, Silicon Valley, and the New World Order

Gabriella Rosen Kellerman Author Of Tomorrowmind: Thriving at Work with Resilience, Creativity, and Connection—Now and in an Uncertain Future

From my list on how work is changing and what it means for workers.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve devoted my career to helping people achieve their potential and improve their wellbeing. One of the greatest challenges we’re all facing today is the highly unnatural world of work in which we all must perform. I’ve been fortunate both to lead large teams in this environment and to guide the Fortune 1000 on how to help their people thrive in its midst. Achieving sustainable peak performance requires that we understand what we are up against. This book list is a great place to start!

Gabriella's book list on how work is changing and what it means for workers

Gabriella Rosen Kellerman Why did Gabriella love this book?

Kai-Fu Lee, once himself an AI pioneer, wrote AI Superpowers to help non-technical readers understand how and why AI is changing our world, with an emphasis on how it’s reshaping work. Lee breaks down which types of jobs are most vs. least likely to be replaced by AI, and offers wisdom on which skills it makes sense for all of us to lean into given those shifts. He also offers clear-eyed predictions about the potential for AI innovations to reshape global politics. 

I enjoyed this book from page one. Lee’s prose is crisp and his points sharp. I appreciated his occasional meanderings into humanistic realms. This also feels like a personal book, given how much Lee himself has done to accelerate the AI revolution.

By Kai-Fu Lee,

Why should I read it?

3 authors picked AI Superpowers as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

THE NEW YORK TIMES, USA TODAY, AND WALL STREET JOURNAL BESTSELLER

"Kai-Fu Lee believes China will be the next tech-innovation superpower and in AI Superpowers: China, Silicon Valley, and the New World Order, he explains why. Taiwan-born Lee is perfectly positioned for the task."-New York Magazine

In this thought-provoking book, Lee argues powerfully that because of the unprecedented developments in AI, dramatic changes will be happening much sooner than many of us expected. Indeed, as the US-Sino AI competition begins to heat up, Lee urges the US and China to both accept and to embrace the great responsibilities that come…


Book cover of Bolo: The Annals of the Dinochrome Brigade

Justin Oldham Author Of Showdown at the Kodiak Starport

From my list on science fiction showcasing future war scenarios.

Why am I passionate about this?

As intense as the Cold War was, I have always found myself looking toward the future. Nuclear annihilation was a real possibility in my youth. Even so, I have always been curious about the next threat beyond our current crisis would be. Beyond nuclear, biological, and chemical threats, I see that we now face possible dangers from rogue AI and climate change. If that’s not enough, let’s remember that conventional weapons are getting more powerful with the passing of each decade. That’s why the storyteller in me loves this stuff so much.

Justin's book list on science fiction showcasing future war scenarios

Justin Oldham Why did Justin love this book?

This was the first book I read that brought the concept of artificial intelligence to my attention. The staggering amount of property damage that these massive war machines are capable of redefined my understanding of battlefield carnage. Laumer’s insightful portrayal of what AI can be still holds up today. I really like the way these machines are imagined; they are so very human.

By Keith Laumer,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Bolo as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

As the concept of intelligent fighting machines developed, the Bolo division of General Motors started working on tank designs that incorporated awareness and intelligence within the development of their tactical tanks.

With each new generation, these awesome fighting machines become more self-aware, with capabilities not only matching their human controllers, but often surpassing them.

This collection of action-packed stories lets the Bolo war machines speak for themselves as they hunt and destroy all who stands in their way. But beyond the action itself, these stories speak to us all on a very human level … about the far-reaching, and often…


Book cover of Mind Bullet

Iris Bolling Author Of S.I.B.s: The Society of Intellectual Beings

From my list on saving mankind from itself using fantasy elements.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m a Black woman who writes stories that will give readers an insight into areas of corporate and governmental politics, with a touch of reality, suspense, humor, and romance. Oh, let me add…a touch of fantasy. At times, I will mix the genres simply because that is where the story takes me. Writing is a passion; messaging is a responsibility (I aim to intrigue you!), and humor is my way of balancing the intense topic. I have a degree in Organizational Management, 30 years of working in state agencies, and a vivid imagination to share. I'm enjoying the second chapter of my life by doing what I love…writing stories that entice your mind.  

Iris' book list on saving mankind from itself using fantasy elements

Iris Bolling Why did Iris love this book?

I can appreciate an author who can inject humor into a story that is not traditionally a comedy. In Mind Bullet, we follow the life of an assassin who has the ability to kill with his mind and his artificial intelligence sidekick Bubbles (who frequently asks for a name change throughout the book). Make no mistake, there is plenty of fast-paced, action-packed scenes as Jonas tries to stay one step ahead of the ninjas (yes ninjas!) in between the funny appearances of Bubbles. The mixture of danger and humor is all-consuming as you go along for the ride. This story had me laughing while sitting on the edge of my seat. 

By Jeremy Robinson,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Mind Bullet as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A telekinetic assassin’s quest to avenge his parents’ murders triggers an all-out war between an eccentric cast of killers, from the New York Times bestselling author of INFINITE and THE DARK.

Jonas kills people…with his mind. He reaches out, focuses for a moment, and feels a snap of pain between his eyes. Then his target falls over dead, a hole in the center of their brains. The cause of death is unknown to all aside from Jonas, and his lone companion: Bubbles, a sarcastic AI with aspirations to be more human, or a serial killer. One of the two. Maybe…


Book cover of Afterword

Amber A. Logan Author Of The Secret Garden of Yanagi Inn

From my list on unusual manifestations of grief.

Why am I passionate about this?

I have long been fascinated by how personal and singular the experience of grief is. There is something soothing and relatable about reading others’ experiences—the more strange, nonsensical, or even supernatural the better. My own novel, The Secret Garden of Yanagi Inn, is a retelling of The Secret Garden, but with an adult protagonist moving through grief over the death of her complicated mother, striving to see a bright ray of hope on the other side. Each of the books on my list about unusual manifestations of grief tackles this same concept in new and surprising ways, and I hope they touch you as they have touched me.  

Amber's book list on unusual manifestations of grief

Amber A. Logan Why did Amber love this book?

While the “manifestation of grief” may be less literal in Afterword, I would argue that the manifestation is no less profound.

Afterword tells the story of a woman who channels her grief by recreating her dead lover as an AI program. Schuyler’s gorgeous writing provides deep insights into love and loss and regret while touching on important contemporary ideas of online privacy and the gray morality of AI technology.   

By Nina Schuyler,

Why should I read it?

3 authors picked Afterword as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A pioneer of artificial intelligence rebuilds the love of her life, but when she discovers he's been feeding incriminating civilian information to the Chinese government, she'll have to decide whether to keep or kill him.

When approached by a Chinese tech company, Virginia Samson is moved to give them her beloved's algorithm so they can create an AI companion for the aging population. Soon her digital lost love starts spying on Chinese citizens, funneling the information to the Chinese government. When Virginia frantically tries to rebuild him, she uncovers his terrible secret, forcing her to relive their beautiful and tragic…


Book cover of Human Compatible: Artificial Intelligence and the Problem of Control
Book cover of The Ethos of Artificial Intelligence: Using AI to Promote the Good Life While Avoiding Harm
Book cover of In Silico Dreams: How Artificial Intelligence and Biotechnology Will Create the Medicines of the Future

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