Book Review "Van Aristoteles tot Algoritme" by Guido van der Knaap

Since 2015 I have been fascinated by artificial intelligence (AI) and ever since been reading up a lot about it. For those books that I think are very interesting I have written a LinkedIn Article like this one. For articles and podcasts that are really fascinating, I have made a LinkedIn Post.

Unfortunately I could not find if Dutch philosopher Guido van der Knaap has published his amazing book "Van Aristoteles tot Algoritme" with subtitle "Filosofie van Kunstmatige Intelligentie" in English (using a 'simple' Google search). The title translates to: "From Aristoteles To Algorithm, Philosophy Of Artificial Intelligence".

The discussion about AI (finally) reached the public debate and that is mostly thanks to the arrival of ChatGPT . The unleashing of all different kinds of Machine Learning (ML) and AI machines into society (especially uncontrolled and unregulated) creates a lot of dilemmas, mostly philosophical dilemmas. And, Van der Knaap does address them excellently in his book (and only takes him 200 pages). He writes in a very accessible and down-to-earth manner. I highly recommend everyone that is into both tech and/or philosophy.

As Van der Knaap obviously mentions OpenAI in his book as well, I thought to have ChatGPT 3.5 write a book review. I hardly play and/or use ChatGPT, so I thought this could be an interesting test case. I gave it this simple prompt: "Please write a book review of 600 words of the book Van Aristoteles tot Algoritme by Guido van der Knaap" and this is the unedited output:

"Please write a book review of 600 words of the book Van Aristoteles tot Algoritme by Guido van der Knaap"

"In "Van Aristoteles tot Algoritme," Guido van der Knaap embarks on a philosophical journey that spans the millennia, traversing the landscape of human thought from the ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle to the modern world of algorithms. This thought-provoking book serves as a bridge between the classical and the contemporary, exploring the intersections of philosophy, science, and technology. Van der Knaap's work is a testament to the enduring relevance of philosophical inquiry in our rapidly evolving digital age.

The book opens with a nod to Aristotle, the philosopher who laid the foundations for much of Western thought. Van der Knaap skillfully outlines Aristotle's contributions to metaphysics, ethics, and politics, highlighting the enduring relevance of his ideas in the context of modern technology. By drawing parallels between Aristotle's concept of virtue and the ethical considerations surrounding AI and algorithms, the author sets the stage for a captivating exploration of timeless philosophical questions.

One of the book's standout features is its accessibility. Van der Knaap adeptly breaks down complex philosophical concepts into digestible pieces for readers of various backgrounds. He weaves intricate philosophical discussions with real-world examples and contemporary issues, making the content engaging and relatable. This approach enables both seasoned philosophers and newcomers to the field to appreciate the significance of these ideas in our increasingly interconnected and digital world.

The book seamlessly transitions from the classical philosophical foundations to the modern era of algorithms and artificial intelligence. Van der Knaap navigates the evolution of technology and its profound impact on society, ethics, and our understanding of knowledge. He delves into the ethical dilemmas surrounding AI, emphasizing the importance of ethical guidelines and the responsible development of technology. The author's ability to bridge the historical and the contemporary is a testament to his deep understanding of both philosophical thought and technological advancements.

"Van Aristoteles tot Algoritme" excels in its examination of the intricate relationship between human agency and technology. Van der Knaap critically explores the idea of algorithms as extensions of human thought and intention, discussing how they shape our decision-making processes and influence our perception of reality. This discussion is particularly relevant in today's world, where algorithms play a significant role in shaping our online experiences, from social media feeds to search engine results.

Moreover, the book does not shy away from addressing the potential dangers of algorithmic decision-making. Van der Knaap raises thought-provoking questions about the implications of AI and automation on human society, including issues related to job displacement, privacy, and bias in algorithms. His examination of these ethical concerns underscores the urgency of responsible AI development and regulation.

One of the book's strengths lies in its interdisciplinary approach. Van der Knaap draws from a wide range of sources, including philosophy, computer science, psychology, and sociology, to provide a comprehensive perspective on the topics at hand. This interdisciplinary approach enriches the discussion, offering readers a holistic understanding of the complex relationship between philosophy and technology.

The author's prose is clear and engaging, making the book accessible to a broad audience. While philosophical discussions can sometimes become dense and esoteric, Van der Knaap's writing style is approachable without sacrificing intellectual rigor. He strikes a balance between scholarly depth and readability, making the book suitable for both academics and curious readers seeking to explore the intersection of philosophy and technology.

In conclusion, "Van Aristoteles tot Algoritme" by Guido van der Knaap is a thought-provoking and timely exploration of the enduring relevance of philosophy in the age of algorithms. The book successfully bridges the gap between classical philosophy and modern technology, offering a comprehensive examination of the ethical, societal, and philosophical implications of AI and algorithms. Van der Knaap's accessible writing style, interdisciplinary approach, and critical insights make this book a valuable resource for anyone interested in the intersection of philosophy, ethics, and technology. It serves as a reminder that, even in our technologically driven world, the wisdom of the past can guide us toward a more ethically responsible future."

What did you think? I am impressed. For the fun of it I followed up with a prompt: "Do you know if Guido van der Knaap als published his Dutch book Van Aristoteles tot Algoritme in English?"

Do you know if Guido van der Knaap als published his Dutch book Van Aristoteles tot Algoritme in English?

And, the machine answered:

"I apologize, but as of my last knowledge update in September 2021, I do not have information about whether Guido van der Knaap has published his Dutch book "Van Aristoteles tot Algoritme" in English or if there are plans for an English translation. To find out if an English version of the book is available or in the works, I recommend checking with reputable book retailers, publishers, or the author's official website for the latest updates. Additionally, you can look for news or announcements related to the book's translation and publication status."

Finally I ended the test with the machine with this prompt: "Who owns the intellectual property rights to this text? And, can I publish them on LinkedIn copyright free?"

Who owns the intellectual property rights to this text? And, can I publish them on LinkedIn copyright free?

And, the machine replied sternly:

"The intellectual property rights to the text I provided in response to your request belong to OpenAI, the organization behind Assistant. You do not have the right to publish this text on LinkedIn or any other platform without proper attribution and without obtaining permission from OpenAI, as it is copyrighted material.

If you wish to use the text for any purpose other than personal reference, you should reach out to OpenAI to inquire about permissions or licensing options. OpenAI may have specific terms and conditions regarding the use of content generated by their AI models, so it's important to adhere to those terms to ensure compliance with copyright and intellectual property laws."

And, this proves exactly why Van der Knaap's book is so important!

I want to round up this article by highly recommending everyone to watch "The A.I. Dilemma" by Center for Humane Technology via this link.