Humans Need Not Apply: A Guide to Wealth & Work in the Age of Artificial Intelligence

Jerry Kaplan

Aug 2015 · Yale University Press

About this ebook

An “intriguing, insightful” look at how algorithms and robots could lead to social unrest—and how to avoid it (The Economist, Books of the Year).
 
After decades of effort, researchers are finally cracking the code on artificial intelligence. Society stands on the cusp of unprecedented change, driven by advances in robotics, machine learning, and perception powering systems that rival or exceed human capabilities. Driverless cars, robotic helpers, and intelligent agents that promote our interests have the potential to usher in a new age of affluence and leisure—but as AI expert and Silicon Valley entrepreneur Jerry Kaplan warns, the transition may be protracted and brutal unless we address the two great scourges of the modern developed world: volatile labor markets and income inequality.
 
In Humans Need Not Apply, he proposes innovative, free-market adjustments to our economic system and social policies to avoid an extended period of social turmoil. His timely and accessible analysis of the promises and perils of AI is a must-read for business leaders and policy makers on both sides of the aisle.
 
“A reminder that AI systems don’t need red laser eyes to be dangerous.”—Times Higher Education Supplement
 
“Kaplan…sidesteps the usual arguments of techno-optimism and dystopia, preferring to go for pragmatic solutions to a shrinking pool of jobs.”—Financial Times

Ratings and reviews

Yet another excellent book on the way automation will severely affect the job market and one of the most important measures to be taken as soon as possible is to distribute the income in a fairer way.

About the author

Jerry Kaplan is widely known in the computer industry as a serial entrepreneur, technical innovator, and bestselling author. He is currently a fellow at the Center for Legal Informatics at Stanford University and teaches ethics and impact of artificial intelligence in the Computer Science Department.John Pruden is a professional voice actor who, through his company, Voice Acting With Character, records audiobooks as well as corporate and online training narrations, animation and video game characters, and radio and TV commercials. His exposure to many people, places, and experiences throughout his life--from his many jobs while a young man; to his Army service as a UH-60 Black Hawk assault helicopter pilot; to his travels through forty-four US states, South America, Europe, and Asia; to his experience in professional improvisation and singing--provides a solid creative foundation from which to draw for his intelligent audiobook narration and talented vocal characterizations. His audiobook narration of The Killing of Crazy Horse by Thomas Powers was chosen by the Washington Post as a Best Audiobook of 2010.