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A fascinating exploration of how computer algorithms can be applied
to our everyday lives. In this dazzlingly interdisciplinary work,
acclaimed author Brian Christian and cognitive scientist Tom
Griffiths show us how the simple, precise algorithms used by
computers can also untangle very human questions. Modern life is
constrained by limited space and time, limits that give rise to a
particular set of problems. What should we do, or leave undone, in
a day or a lifetime? How much messiness should we accept? The
authors explain how to have better hunches and when to leave things
to chance, how to deal with overwhelming choices and how best to
connect with others. From finding a spouse to finding a parking
spot, from organizing one's inbox to understanding the workings of
human memory, Algorithms To Live By is full of practical takeaways
to help you solve common decision-making problems and illuminate
the workings of the human mind.
Today's "machine-learning" systems, trained by data, are so
effective that we've invited them to see and hear for us-and to
make decisions on our behalf. But alarm bells are ringing. Recent
years have seen an eruption of concern as the field of machine
learning advances. When the systems we attempt to teach will not,
in the end, do what we want or what we expect, ethical and
potentially existential risks emerge. Researchers call this the
alignment problem. Systems cull resumes until, years later, we
discover that they have inherent gender biases. Algorithms decide
bail and parole-and appear to assess Black and White defendants
differently. We can no longer assume that our mortgage application,
or even our medical tests, will be seen by human eyes. And as
autonomous vehicles share our streets, we are increasingly putting
our lives in their hands. The mathematical and computational models
driving these changes range in complexity from something that can
fit on a spreadsheet to a complex system that might credibly be
called "artificial intelligence." They are steadily replacing both
human judgment and explicitly programmed software. In best-selling
author Brian Christian's riveting account, we meet the alignment
problem's "first-responders," and learn their ambitious plan to
solve it before our hands are completely off the wheel. In a
masterful blend of history and on-the ground reporting, Christian
traces the explosive growth in the field of machine learning and
surveys its current, sprawling frontier. Readers encounter a
discipline finding its legs amid exhilarating and sometimes
terrifying progress. Whether they-and we-succeed or fail in solving
the alignment problem will be a defining human story. The Alignment
Problem offers an unflinching reckoning with humanity's biases and
blind spots, our own unstated assumptions and often contradictory
goals. A dazzlingly interdisciplinary work, it takes a hard look
not only at our technology but at our culture-and finds a story by
turns harrowing and hopeful.
'Vital reading. This is the book on artificial intelligence we need
right now.' Mike Krieger, cofounder of Instagram Artificial
intelligence is rapidly dominating every aspect of our modern lives
influencing the news we consume, whether we get a mortgage, and
even which friends wish us happy birthday. But as algorithms make
ever more decisions on our behalf, how do we ensure they do what we
want? And fairly? This conundrum - dubbed 'The Alignment Problem'
by experts - is the subject of this timely and important book. From
the AI program which cheats at computer games to the sexist
algorithm behind Google Translate, bestselling author Brian
Christian explains how, as AI develops, we rapidly approach a
collision between artificial intelligence and ethics. If we stand
by, we face a future with unregulated algorithms that propagate our
biases - and worse - violate our most sacred values. Urgent and
fascinating, this is an accessible primer to the most important
issue facing AI researchers today.
Master the development of 2D games by learning to use the powerful
GameMaker Language and tools provided by the GameMaker: Studio
workspace and engine! About This Book * Rapidly develop games using
the powerful yet easy easy-to to-use GameMaker: Studio engine *
Comprehensive: This is a comprehensive guide to help you learn and
implement GameMaker's features. * Go through step-by-step tutorials
to design and develop unique games Who This Book Is For If you have
at least some basic programming experience of JavaScript or any
other C-like languages, then this book will be great for you. No
experience beyond that is assumed. If you have no game development
experience and are looking for a hobby, are an experienced game
developer looking to master some advanced features, or fit anywhere
in that spectrum, then you will find GameMaker: Studio and this
book to be very useful in helping you create exciting games. What
You Will Learn * Understand the GameMaker: Studio interface and
tools to quickly create the various assets used in your games *
Translate some of the GameMaker: Studio drag and drop functions to
the GameMaker language * Create games with random elements for
exciting gameplay * Use the basic GameMaker file I/O and encryption
systems * Utilize the GameMaker networking functions to create
multiplayer games * Give AI routines to your enemies to make
challenging gameplay * Create particle systems to give your game
exciting graphics * Understand the various debugging techniques
available in GameMaker: Studio In Detail This book is excellent
resource for developers with any level of experience of GameMaker.
At the start, we'll provide an overview of the basic use of
GameMaker: Studio, and show you how to set up a basic game where
you handle input and collisions in a top-down perspective game. We
continue on to showcase its more advanced features via six
different example projects. The first example game demonstrates
platforming with file I/O, followed by animation, views, and
multiplayer networking. The next game illustrates AI and particle
systems, while the final one will get you started with the built-in
Box2D physics engine. By the end of this book, you have mastered
lots of powerful techniques that can be utilized in various 2D
games. Style and approach A This step-by-step guide that follows
and with details ons different topics throughout the creation of
various examples.
In the spring of 1990 Brian set out to spend one year alone in the
wilderness. It was to be his rite of initiation, the cutting of his
ties to this world so he might belong to God completely. His hope
was to learn the ancient skill of survival, understand the wisdom
of the wilderness then return to the Yupik Eskimo youth and begin a
program that integrated the wilderness and a relationship with God.
Little did he know that God was to choose a wilderness far more
foreboding than the forests of the Northwest to bring him to my
masculine soul. Even more daunting was the fact that he would
wander through this wilderness for over twenty-one years. This is
his journey of becoming an initiated man of God: the descent into
dark places, the facing of shadow, the embracing of the wounded boy
and the awakening of the primal energies of God. It was a quest
which demanded that he face darkness within and without, which was
the gateway to the most profound spiritual experience of his 28
year journey with God. "It is not often that we find rugged
masculinity and vulnerable spirituality in the same book. They are
both here in abundance. Read this book, and be both fed and freed "
Fr. Richard Rohr, O.F.M. Center for Action and Contemplation
Albuquerque, New Mexico Founder of Men as Learners and Elders
(MALEs) "Your work is a fascinating, deeply personal, fiercely
honest, intriguing work of passion for God and men's work -
something that has had my heart on fire since 2008 when I first
read Wild at Heart by John Eldredge. It has inspired me in many
ways." John Fontaine, Kentucky "This book is on par with Abbey,
Thoreau, and Ted Kerasote, except that the spiritual realm is the
center of the journey." Bill, Michigan "As a woman reviewer, I can
also say I deeply related to many of the issues Brian wrestled with
God over, and felt many of the same feelings Brian struggled with.
It blessed me in the reading of it." Julie, Michigan"
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