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AI and Human Thought and Emotion

by Sam Freed

The field of artificial intelligence (AI) has grown dramatically in recent decades from niche expert systems to the current myriad of deep machine learning applications that include personal assistants, natural-language interfaces, and medical, financial, and traffic management systems. This boom in AI engineering masks the fact that all current AI systems are based on two fundamental ideas: mathematics (logic and statistics, from the 19th century), and a grossly simplified understanding of biology (mainly neurons, as understood in 1943). This book explores other fundamental ideas that have the potential to make AI more anthropomorphic. Most books on AI are technical and do not consider the humanities. Most books in the humanities treat technology in a similar manner. AI and Human Thought and Emotion, however is about AI, how academics, researchers, scientists, and practitioners came to think about AI the way they do, and how they can think about it afresh with a humanities-based perspective. The book walks a middle line to share insights between the humanities and technology. It starts with philosophy and the history of ideas and goes all the way to usable algorithms. Central to this work are the concepts of introspection, which is how consciousness is viewed, and consciousness, which is accessible to humans as they reflect on their own experience. The main argument of this book is that AI based on introspection and emotion can produce more human-like AI. To discover the connections among emotion, introspection, and AI, the book travels far from technology into the humanities and then returns with concrete examples of new algorithms. At times philosophical, historical, and technical, this exploration of human emotion and thinking poses questions and provides answers about the future of AI.

AI and Human Thought and Emotion

by Sam Freed

The field of artificial intelligence (AI) has grown dramatically in recent decades from niche expert systems to the current myriad of deep machine learning applications that include personal assistants, natural-language interfaces, and medical, financial, and traffic management systems. This boom in AI engineering masks the fact that all current AI systems are based on two fundamental ideas: mathematics (logic and statistics, from the 19th century), and a grossly simplified understanding of biology (mainly neurons, as understood in 1943). This book explores other fundamental ideas that have the potential to make AI more anthropomorphic. Most books on AI are technical and do not consider the humanities. Most books in the humanities treat technology in a similar manner. AI and Human Thought and Emotion, however is about AI, how academics, researchers, scientists, and practitioners came to think about AI the way they do, and how they can think about it afresh with a humanities-based perspective. The book walks a middle line to share insights between the humanities and technology. It starts with philosophy and the history of ideas and goes all the way to usable algorithms. Central to this work are the concepts of introspection, which is how consciousness is viewed, and consciousness, which is accessible to humans as they reflect on their own experience. The main argument of this book is that AI based on introspection and emotion can produce more human-like AI. To discover the connections among emotion, introspection, and AI, the book travels far from technology into the humanities and then returns with concrete examples of new algorithms. At times philosophical, historical, and technical, this exploration of human emotion and thinking poses questions and provides answers about the future of AI.

AIDS (Biographies of Disease)

by Sigall K. Bell

This comprehensive review examines the biological, medical, social, historical, and political aspects of HIV/AIDS.In AIDS, three Harvard-educated physicians explore the evolution of the HIV epidemic, contextualizing the disease from historical, social, and medical perspectives. Addressing the last 25 years, the book examines basic biological principles, including what a virus is, how the human immune system works, and how HIV impairs these functions. It presents an in-depth discussion of the HIV life cycle, explores central issues pertaining to diagnosis and treatment, and sheds light on how the treatment was developed and implemented.The book also reviews global epidemiology of HIV/AIDS and principles of transmission, as well as what comprises an epidemic and the factors that determine whether an infectious outbreak will propagate or die out. Finally, it looks at where HIV came from; early reactions to the disease and the social stigma it engendered; the cultural impact of HIV-positive role models; and the global economic, population, and political effects of this illness.

The Aims and Organization of Liberal Studies: The Commonwealth and International Library: Liberal Studies Division

by Morrell Heald D. F. Bratchell

The Aims and Organization of Liberal Studies provides an insight into the contributions of the Departments of Liberal Studies to educational thinking, to ensure the achievement of a proper balance between the acquisition of specialized knowledge and skill; and the development of breadth of outlook; and of personal expression in speech and writing. The book sets to present the importance of liberal education in the personal and social development of a person despite the rapid and profound changes brought about by technological advances. The text tackled the status of liberal studies in the international and local levels; in technical colleges and universities; and in adult education and in industry. Teachers, school administrators, scientists, students, and educators will find this book invaluable.

Air Disasters: Dramatic Black Box Flight Recordings

by Malcolm MacPherson

Compelling and dramatic insights into crucial moments inside the cockpit.

Air & Light & Time & Space: How Successful Academics Write

by Helen Sword

From the author of Stylish Academic Writing comes an essential new guide for writers aspiring to become more productive and take greater pleasure in their craft. Helen Sword interviewed 100 academics worldwide about their writing background and practices and shows how they find or create the conditions to get their writing done.

Air & Light & Time & Space: How Successful Academics Write

by Helen Sword

From the author of Stylish Academic Writing comes an essential new guide for writers aspiring to become more productive and take greater pleasure in their craft. Helen Sword interviewed 100 academics worldwide about their writing background and practices and shows how they find or create the conditions to get their writing done.

The Air Ministry Survival Guide (Air Ministry Survival Guide)

by None

THE ULTIMATE SURVIVAL GUIDE for anyone who thinks they'd survive the world's most hostile environments - or at least imagine they could do.THE ULTIMATE SURVIVAL GUIDE for anyone who thinks they'd survive the world's most hostile environments - or at least imagine they could do.-----------------------------First issued to British airmen in the 1950s the beautifully illustrated Air Ministry Survival Guide provides invaluable practical tips and instruction on how to keep calm and carry on in any hostile environment.Whether you're lost in the desert, arctic, jungle, or adrift on the open ocean, you'll be better off armed with sensible advice on how to:- Build a structurally sound igloo- Pull faces to prevent frostbite (and when to expect bits to fall off should you fail)- Fashion a mask to prevent snowblindness- Make a hat out of seat cushions- Behave in the event of meeting hostile locals- Stay safe from poisonous reptiles and insects- Use a 'fire thong'- Punch man-eating sharks (which are cowards)

The Airline Business

by Rigas Doganis

The airline industry is currently faced with its longest and deepest crisis to date: many airlines are losing hundred of millions of US dollars, several have collapsed entirely and others have been rescued by their governments. This crisis has been precipitated by external shocks such as the attack on the Twin Towers in New York, the invasion of Iraq and the SARS epidemic. In addition, the effect of these events has been exacerbated by dynamic and potentially destabilizing internal developments. Comprehensive and thorough, this revealing book gives a detailed analysis of the crucial events and key developments which have impacted, and will continue to impact on the dynamics of the airline industry. Special attention is paid to: the key challenges faced by the airlines such as continued liberalization and ‘open skies’ the impacts of global alliances new low-cost and no-frills carriers on-line selling and distribution privatization the impact of disasters. Leading industry authority Rigas Doganis examines the future prospects for the changing airline business and assesses alternative policies which could help the sector adapt to the shifting marketplace. Ideal for students, researchers and professionals in the fields of economics and business, industry and transportation studies, this second edition of his definitive book brings the story right up to date.

The Airline Business

by Rigas Doganis

The airline industry is currently faced with its longest and deepest crisis to date: many airlines are losing hundred of millions of US dollars, several have collapsed entirely and others have been rescued by their governments. This crisis has been precipitated by external shocks such as the attack on the Twin Towers in New York, the invasion of Iraq and the SARS epidemic. In addition, the effect of these events has been exacerbated by dynamic and potentially destabilizing internal developments. Comprehensive and thorough, this revealing book gives a detailed analysis of the crucial events and key developments which have impacted, and will continue to impact on the dynamics of the airline industry. Special attention is paid to: the key challenges faced by the airlines such as continued liberalization and ‘open skies’ the impacts of global alliances new low-cost and no-frills carriers on-line selling and distribution privatization the impact of disasters. Leading industry authority Rigas Doganis examines the future prospects for the changing airline business and assesses alternative policies which could help the sector adapt to the shifting marketplace. Ideal for students, researchers and professionals in the fields of economics and business, industry and transportation studies, this second edition of his definitive book brings the story right up to date.

Airline Maps: A Century of Art and Design

by Mark Ovenden Maxwell Roberts

In this gorgeously illustrated collection of airline route maps, Mark Ovenden and Maxwell Roberts look to the skies and transport readers to another time. Hundreds of images span a century of passenger flight, from the rudimentary trajectory of routes to the most intricately detailed birds-eye views of the land to be flown over. Advertisements for the first scheduled commercial passenger flights featured only a few destinations, with stunning views of the countryside and graphics of biplanes. As aviation took off, speed and mileage were trumpeted on bold posters featuring busy routes. Major airlines produced highly stylized illustrations of their global presence, establishing now-classic brands. With trendy and forward-looking designs, cartographers celebrated the coming together of different cultures and made the earth look ever smaller. Eventually, fleets got bigger and routes multiplied, and graphic designers have found creative new ways to display huge amounts of information. Airline hubs bring their own cultural mark and advertise their plentiful destination options. Innovative maps depict our busy world with webs of overlapping routes and networks of low-cost city-to-city hopping. But though flying has become more commonplace, Ovenden and Roberts remind us that early air travel was a glamorous affair for good reason. Airline Maps is a celebration of graphic design, cartographic skills and clever marketing, and a visual feast that reminds us to enjoy the journey as much as the destination.

Al-Qaeda Goes to College: Impact of the War on Terror on American Higher Education

by James Ottavio Castagnera

This volume is the first book-length treatment of how the 9/11 attacks and the American political scene afterward have affected higher education in this country. It covers topics such as: universities' roles in training counter-terrorism experts, particularly anthropologists working in Iraq and Afghanistan; bio-terrorism research on campuses; inflammatory critiques by the likes of Ward Churchill; the conspiracy theories advocated by some academics regarding 9/11; lawsuits against universities by terror victims trying to get settlements from countries like Iran by seizing archaeological artifacts in American universities; accused Islamists teaching at American colleges, like Sami al-Arian at USF.

Albert Camus: Philosopher and Littrateur

by J. McBride

This book marks a major new reassessment of Camus's writing investigating the nature and philosophical origins of Camus's thinking on 'authenticity' and 'the absurd' as these notions are expressed in The Myth of Sisyphus and The Outsider. It shows that these books are the product not only of a literary figure, but of a genuine philosopher as well. Moreover, McBride provides a complete English-language translation of Camus's Mtaphysique chrtienne et Noplatonisme and underlines the importance of this study for the understanding of the early Camus.

The Album [4 volumes]: A Guide to Pop Music's Most Provocative, Influential, and Important Creations [4 volumes] (The Praeger Singer-Songwriter Collection)

by James E. Perone

This four-volume work provides provocative critical analyses of 160 of the best popular music albums of the past 50 years, from the well-known and mainstream to the quirky and offbeat.The Album: A Guide to Pop Music's Most Provocative, Influential, and Important Creations contains critical analysis essays on 160 significant pop music albums from 1960 to 2010. The selected albums represent the pop, rock, soul, R&B, hip hop, country, and alternative genres, including artists such as 2Pac, Carole King, James Brown, The Beatles, and Willie Nelson. Each volume contains brief sidebars with biographical information about key performers and producers, as well as descriptions of particular music industry topics pertaining to the development of the album over this 50-year period. Due to its examination of a broad time frame and wide range of musical styles, and its depth of analysis that goes beyond that in other books about essential albums of the past and present, this collection will appeal strongly to music fans of all tastes and interests.

The Album [4 volumes]: A Guide to Pop Music's Most Provocative, Influential, and Important Creations [4 volumes] (The Praeger Singer-Songwriter Collection)


This four-volume work provides provocative critical analyses of 160 of the best popular music albums of the past 50 years, from the well-known and mainstream to the quirky and offbeat.The Album: A Guide to Pop Music's Most Provocative, Influential, and Important Creations contains critical analysis essays on 160 significant pop music albums from 1960 to 2010. The selected albums represent the pop, rock, soul, R&B, hip hop, country, and alternative genres, including artists such as 2Pac, Carole King, James Brown, The Beatles, and Willie Nelson. Each volume contains brief sidebars with biographical information about key performers and producers, as well as descriptions of particular music industry topics pertaining to the development of the album over this 50-year period. Due to its examination of a broad time frame and wide range of musical styles, and its depth of analysis that goes beyond that in other books about essential albums of the past and present, this collection will appeal strongly to music fans of all tastes and interests.

Alcohol (Health and Medical Issues Today)

by Juann M. Watson Richard Isralowitz

This text provides up-to-date, comprehensive, and accessible information about alcohol use in western society and other cultures.In 2009, President Barack Obama hosted a friendly "beer summit" on the White House lawn in an attempt to diffuse a racially charged incident between a Caucasian policeman and an African American professor. In the United States, beer and other alcoholic beverage companies are often the main advertisers during television sporting event coverage. A study has found that 44 percent of American college students participate in binge drinking, while the NHTSA reports that over 31 percent of traffic fatalities involve a driver with an illegal blood-alcohol content level. In our culture, consumption of alcohol is both widely accepted as a healthy social norm and condemned as a crime.Alcohol provides information about how alcohol acts upon the body, the social problems related to alcohol use, medical disorders connected to alcohol use, alcohol use throughout world cultures and the American population, and public policy issues. This book also contains sections on adolescent and college student alcohol use.

Alcohol and Drugs in North America [2 volumes]: A Historical Encyclopedia [2 volumes]

by David M. Fahey and Jon S. Miller

Alcohol and drugs play a significant role in society, regardless of socioeconomic class. This encyclopedia looks at the history of all drugs in North America, including alcohol, tobacco, prescription drugs, cannabis, cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and even chocolate and caffeinated drinks.This two-volume encyclopedia provides accessibly written coverage on a wide range of topics, covering substances ranging from whiskey to peyote as well as related topics such as Mexican drug trafficking and societal effects caused by specific drugs. The entries also supply an excellent overview of the history of temperance movements in Canada and the United States; trends in alcohol consumption, its production, and its role in the economy; as well as alcohol's and drugs' roles in shaping national discourse, the creation of organizations for treatment and study, and legal responses.This resource includes primary documents and a bibliography offering important books, articles, and Internet sources related to the topic.

Alcohol and Drugs in North America [2 volumes]: A Historical Encyclopedia [2 volumes]


Alcohol and drugs play a significant role in society, regardless of socioeconomic class. This encyclopedia looks at the history of all drugs in North America, including alcohol, tobacco, prescription drugs, cannabis, cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and even chocolate and caffeinated drinks.This two-volume encyclopedia provides accessibly written coverage on a wide range of topics, covering substances ranging from whiskey to peyote as well as related topics such as Mexican drug trafficking and societal effects caused by specific drugs. The entries also supply an excellent overview of the history of temperance movements in Canada and the United States; trends in alcohol consumption, its production, and its role in the economy; as well as alcohol's and drugs' roles in shaping national discourse, the creation of organizations for treatment and study, and legal responses.This resource includes primary documents and a bibliography offering important books, articles, and Internet sources related to the topic.

Alcohol in Popular Culture: An Encyclopedia

by Rachel Black

This encyclopedia presents the many sides of America's ongoing relationship with alcohol, examining the political history, pivotal events, popular culture, and advances in technology that have affected its consumption.From the constant advertising messages from beer, wine and liquor manufacturers to parties, weddings, and other social gatherings where alcohol is served to after-work happy hours with coworkers, the influence and presence of alcohol are inescapable in the United States. According to a government source, 50 percent of American adults identified themselves as "regular drinkers" (having at least 12 drinks in the past year).This encyclopedia presents an overview of the entire history of alcohol in America from the first colonies to present day, focusing on the often-marginalized and pop culture aspects of alcohol use and misuse. Entries illuminate topics such as the favorite alcoholic beverages in America; how they are manufactured; the role of alcohol in everyday life, special events, and across history; the impacts of alcohol consumption on society and health; and much more. Connections and influences from outside the United States are also considered for some topics.

Alcohol in Popular Culture: An Encyclopedia

by Rachel Black

This encyclopedia presents the many sides of America's ongoing relationship with alcohol, examining the political history, pivotal events, popular culture, and advances in technology that have affected its consumption.From the constant advertising messages from beer, wine and liquor manufacturers to parties, weddings, and other social gatherings where alcohol is served to after-work happy hours with coworkers, the influence and presence of alcohol are inescapable in the United States. According to a government source, 50 percent of American adults identified themselves as "regular drinkers" (having at least 12 drinks in the past year).This encyclopedia presents an overview of the entire history of alcohol in America from the first colonies to present day, focusing on the often-marginalized and pop culture aspects of alcohol use and misuse. Entries illuminate topics such as the favorite alcoholic beverages in America; how they are manufactured; the role of alcohol in everyday life, special events, and across history; the impacts of alcohol consumption on society and health; and much more. Connections and influences from outside the United States are also considered for some topics.

The Alcorithm: A revolutionary flavour guide to find the drinks you’ll love

by Rob Buckhaven

Discover your new favourite wines, beers, spirits and cocktails in this unique and ingenious guide, led by your own taste budsWritten by award-winning drinks expert and columnist for The Metro, Rob Buckhaven'All about the pleasures of raising a glass. This book tells you what to try next and why . . . Cheers!' Michel Roux Jr'A kind of Flavour Thesaurus but for drinks. A joyful, thoughtful labyrinth in which you can happily lose yourself for hours' Daily Telegraph________Do you always ask for the same old wine, the usual pint, the reliable spirit? It's all too easy to play it safe, and finding new favourites can take time and effort.Until now.Using the algorithm 'If you like this, you'll love that', this ingenious guide will lead you by your taste buds, using your existing favourite drinks and flavours to reveal vast varieties that will also suit your palate.Fan of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc? Try Sancerre for similar grassy notes.Partial to Vintage Champagne? Believe it or not, you may also like a Brown Porter.Those who enjoy Scotch Single Malt Whisky should give a Californian Pinot Noir a go, while a preference for Pornstar Martinis suggests you'll also be fond of Japanese Sake.Exploring the gamut of flavour styles, from floral and fruity to smoky and spicy, then showcasing all the drinks in which you can find them, from wine, beer, cider, tequila and vodka through to tea, coffee, mixers and everything in betweenThere's a whole universe of incredible wine, beer, spirits and cocktails just waiting to be discovered and enjoyed - if only we can step outside that comfort zone.This book will show you how.

Alex Cox's Introduction to Film: A Director's Perspective

by Alex Cox

Emerging filmmakers need to know the basics of their art form: the language of the camera, and lenses, the different crew roles, the formats, the aspect ratios. They also need to know some bare-bones theory: what an auteur is, what montage is, what genres are. Most important, all filmmakers require serious grounding in film. You cannot be a great artist if you aren’t versed in great art. An Introduction to Film covers all these aspects, from a director and filmmaker’s perspective. According to Cox, ‘Academics have a very specific take on things, and a language of their own. That take and that language aren’t mine. I’m a film director, writer, actor and producer. So my ‘intro to film’ may be somewhat different from the standard introductory text. I am less focused on film theory, and more on a film’s meaning, the intentions of the filmmaker, and how they got their film made.’

Alexander 334–323 BC: Conquest of the Persian Empire (Campaign)

by John Warry

Alexander of Macedonia was undoubtedly one of the greatest generals of all time. This book, by John Warry, an expert on the warfare of the Classical world, examines the principle battles of Alexander's campaigns in detail. The battles of the Granicus, Issus, Gaugamela, Hydaspes and the difficult siege of Tyre are all discussed at length. These careful studies shed light on Macedonian tactics: in particular the combination of armoured infantry phalanx with fast-moving cavalry. The men and equipment of both Alexander and his Persian enemies are also examined, providing a comprehensive insight into Alexander's life and military actions. Men-at-Arms 148 and Campaign 7 are also available in a single volume special edition as 'Alexander the Great'.

Alexander 334–323 BC: Conquest of the Persian Empire (Campaign #7)

by John Warry

Alexander of Macedonia was undoubtedly one of the greatest generals of all time. This book, by John Warry, an expert on the warfare of the Classical world, examines the principle battles of Alexander's campaigns in detail. The battles of the Granicus, Issus, Gaugamela, Hydaspes and the difficult siege of Tyre are all discussed at length. These careful studies shed light on Macedonian tactics: in particular the combination of armoured infantry phalanx with fast-moving cavalry. The men and equipment of both Alexander and his Persian enemies are also examined, providing a comprehensive insight into Alexander's life and military actions. Men-at-Arms 148 and Campaign 7 are also available in a single volume special edition as 'Alexander the Great'.

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