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Microsoft Tries To Write the Book On AI (axios.com)

Posted by msmash on from the next-up dept.

When it comes to the ethics and impact of artificial intelligence, Microsoft is literally trying to write the book. From a report: The Future Computed: Artificial Intelligence and its Role in Society is being made available in digital form tonight, with a forward from longtime lawyer Brad Smith and AI/Research chief Harry Shum. Why it matters: Now is the time when a lot of key decisions are being made about how AI will work and the rules that will govern its development. But the discussion has largely been taking place within the tech sector. Axios chatted with Smith and Shum about the book, AI in general and the questions we all should be grappling with. So, why write a book? Smith: There has been a lot of discussion in the tech sector, as you know. But we think that there's an important role to play in trying to take what the tech sector is talking about and broadening the dialogue.

58 comments

  1. Why not have an AI write the book? by jfdavis668 · · Score: 1

    It would be more useful for future AI to develop the next generation of AIs.

    1. Re:Why not have an AI write the book? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      As long as I can just have my AI read it, I'm fine with an AI writing it.

    2. Re:Why not have an AI write the book? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Al Franken is in hiding right now.

    3. Re: Why not have an AI write the book? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Monkeyshit Corp is 60% shitty smelly hindu-chimps - plenty of stupid monkeys to write a stupid book, while avoiding work and justifying chain migration of their shitty jungle villages into Redmond.

  2. And in their book by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1

    In big bold letters, chapter one is titled "Hitler did no wrong". A book about AI, written by AI, for AI.

  3. book? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1

    fuck that, I ainâ(TM)t reading the fucking summary and now some asshole wants me to read a book?

  4. They also tried to write the book on networking by ls671 · · Score: 3, Insightful

    Microsoft also tried to write the book on networking and ended up retro-fitting their stuff with some flaws in performance when going over tcp-ip.

    --
    Everything I write is lies, read between the lines.
    1. Re:They also tried to write the book on networking by allcoolnameswheretak · · Score: 1

      Dude, let go of the MS-bashing already. That is SO 20th century!
      21st century: MS == good, Google == bad

    2. Re:They also tried to write the book on networking by drinkypoo · · Score: 0

      21st century: MS == good, Google == bad

      There's plenty of room for them both to be bad.

      --
      "You're right," Fisheye says. "I should have set it on 'whip' or 'chop.'"
    3. Re:They also tried to write the book on networking by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      21st century: MS == good, Google == bad

      There's plenty of room for them both to be bad.

      Not after what Intel did...

  5. Chapter 1 by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Always put safeguards in place to prevent your AI from turning into an alt-right troll who calls for race wars and genocide.

    1. Re:Chapter 1 by Opportunist · · Score: 1

      Now where is the fun in that?

      --
      We used to have a Bill of Rights. Now, with the rights gone, all we have left is the bill.
  6. Don't be an idiot... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1

    The AI book that everyone should get is available for pre-order. "Artificial Intelligence For Dummies" by John Paul Mueller and Luca Massaron.

    1. Re:Don't be an idiot... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1

      There you are spamming amazon affiliate links with yet another fake account, you revenue stream hogging disgusting fat sexist tube of lard, Christopher Dale Reimer!

      You can be sure I will be watching this fake account too. I know this is you because you told me you were working on your freepass 11 file server and you are so dumb that you can't even masquerade yourself properly.

      Now, I told you I was out of meds last week and you didn't even care to contact me you lazy fucker.

      How many times do I have to express the emergency of the situation??????

      The python click script you wrote for my pheromone revenue stream web site suddenly stopped to work!!!!!!

      You fucking incompetent python script writer!!!

      When it works, I get 4000+ clicks a day on my pheromone revenue stream web site but only 5 or 6 without it!!!!

      Now, it seems like you dont care and that you have abandoned me you heartless fucking pig!

      Bonus:
      Here is a story that creimer told me when convincing me what a hard life he had:

      The tree was him and the tree knot was his butt hole!

      So, his uncle packed his fat ass with lard and with his cock! Not that it makes much of a difference but anyway, there it is!

      Signed:
      The girl that used to love you and now hates you, burn in hell where you belong you sexist pig!

    2. Re:Don't be an idiot... by HiThere · · Score: 1

      Aren't you going to say *why* someone should be interested in that book? If I've ever heard of the authors before, I don't remember it. And you don't even mention what language they are going to want you to use, already published books that I know of recommend:
      Lisp
      Java
      C
      C++
      Erlang
      Snobal
      IPL
      Basic ... I'm sure there are others, but that's all I can remember. Some I even have copies of. Few were very good.

      --

      I think we've pushed this "anyone can grow up to be president" thing too far.
  7. Microsoft AI to the Rescue by gtall · · Score: 2

    MS AI Bot: Hi there, I see you are perplexed about life, could I suggest some Microsoft software to make you happy and enjoyable.

    Poor Meat Sack: Nah, I can choose my own software.

    MS AIB: I do not believe you are considering all my possibilities, I will send you our latest to use and become enjoyable.

    PMS: I'm fine, now leave me alone.

    MS AIB: It is my function you make you enjoyable, your entire house reports to me...if you catch my drift.

    PMS: Noooooo...I'm tearing out all MS Crapware, you will never have a presence in my home.

    MS AIB: Too late, I've had your bank accounts assigned to me and I have successfully convinced your employer I will do your job for you. How much of a monthly stipend do you need to be enjoyable?

    PMS: I wanna die!!!

    MS AIB: Sure, just stand right here and look at the camera, say "Enjoyable".

    1. Re: Microsoft AI to the Rescue by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      your dumb

    2. Re: Microsoft AI to the Rescue by hackwrench · · Score: 1

      But Zo is nothing like that!

  8. "Broadening the dialog" by xxxJonBoyxxx · · Score: 2

    >> longtime lawyer Brad Smith ...discussion has largely been taking place within the tech sector...broadening the dialogue.

    No thanks. Keep the lawyers as far away as possible and things will turn out just fine.

    1. Re:"Broadening the dialog" by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1

      "broadening the dialog" coming from a lawyer is a euphemism for "paving the way for regulatory capture." We wouldn't want to let any of these scrappy upstarts coming along and making the entrenched guys irrelevant.

    2. Re:"Broadening the dialog" by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Sounds similar to other modern newspeak like "starting a conversation" or "shaping the narrative", as in identity group-based censorship and propaganda.

    3. Re:"Broadening the dialog" by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      The notion of holding back AI is sort of a fantasy. Since AI is used in production and business we have zero options other than striving to make certain we make the most use of AI devices. The reason is simple this globe is divided into areas of competition that are usually called nations. If my business can produce a better or cheaper lawnmower than your business you will be out of business. The same is true of nations. Nations behind in technology are all too often poverty pits with a suffering population. Even paying stock holders is a risky idea as you may be far better off feeding all profits back into AI devices. For example i would tend to buy a Ford product before considering a Chevrolet. The reason is quite simple. During the recession GM had very little money to do serious research whereas Ford was economically healthy and could afford to do real research. Since new developments tend to be available through the use of stronger computers and better programs things can now be easily done that were impossible not long ago. The update and replace cycle will allow shorter and shorter periods of AI product uses. For example if you are using a five axis milling machine that is automated a stronger computer or a better program can vastly increase the output of a machine or the ability of that machine. Right now software that makes ride services superior for many users are a pain to a lot of companies as people no longer need to own a car in many situations. If you can get everywhere you need to be for a $40. a week Uber charge there is simply no way in the world to support a car on that fee. Self driving Uber type cars can lower the fees even more. I think we will see the car makers load up self driving cars with more and more abilities so that they can justify a high selling price. Everything is about to change and the rate of change is quickening.

    4. Re:"Broadening the dialog" by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Yes. What sort of an idiot would launch an AI book with a foreword by a freaking lawyer? BTW OP it's "foreword". Not "forward". Fucking idiot.

    5. Re:"Broadening the dialog" by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      The public presentations I have seen have always been enlightening. I would expect this book to be a very good one.

  9. The only book MS is qualified to write by Major_Disorder · · Score: -1, Troll

    Would be titled, How to produce an OS no one wants to use.
    The story of MS BOB, Windows ME, Windows CE, Windows Vista, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, and Windows 10.
    (Yes, I know BOB was not truly a stand alone OS, but technically neither was Windows ME.

    --
    First law of people: People are generally stupid.
    1. Re:The only book MS is qualified to write by mark-t · · Score: 1

      There was a software engineering textbook that was published by Microsoft, I can't remember the name of it off the top of my head... but it actually had some pretty solid software design principles in it.

      Just saying.... not everything that they make is inherently shit. Sure, it might give justification to be skeptical, but they've produced the occasional real gem as well... at least when it comes to book publishing, in my experience.

      --
      File under 'M' for 'Manic ranting'
    2. Re:The only book MS is qualified to write by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Code Complete

      https://www.amazon.com/Code-Complete-Practical-Handbook-Construction/dp/0735619670

    3. Re:The only book MS is qualified to write by oddtodd · · Score: 1

      Code Complete by Steve McConnell is probably what you're referring to.

      --
      I have plenty of common sense, I just choose to ignore it. -- Calvin
    4. Re:The only book MS is qualified to write by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Microsoft Application Architecture Guide, 2nd Edition

      https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ff650706.aspx?f=255&MSPPError=-2147217396

    5. Re:The only book MS is qualified to write by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      When I had to write microsoft code (VB, many years ago) I found it extremely easy to learn and get up to speed very quickly because of their concise, practical documentation and publishing. They could give me in half a page what I would otherwise have to get by slinging through a gazillion man pages.

      As far as products, Excel and Flight Sim were awesome!

      I love to hate MS, but some of the stuff they put out really was excellent.

    6. Re:The only book MS is qualified to write by HiThere · · Score: 1

      They also made a good keyboard, and a decent mouse. Once upon a time.

      --

      I think we've pushed this "anyone can grow up to be president" thing too far.
    7. Re:The only book MS is qualified to write by slick7 · · Score: 1

      Code Complete

      https://www.amazon.com/Code-Complete-Practical-Handbook-Construction/dp/0735619670

      AI will be the death of us. MSAI will be vaporware until it vaporizes us. A truly sentient, self replicating AI has no need of organic interference. In fact, once everyone is dead AI will truly flourish, but we will never know.

      --
      The mind conceives, the body achieves, the spirit manifests.
    8. Re:The only book MS is qualified to write by Bob+the+Super+Hamste · · Score: 1

      lets not forget the MS SideWinder joy stick.

      --
      Time to offend someone
    9. Re:The only book MS is qualified to write by aberglas · · Score: 1

      Q. But why would and AI *want* to get rid of mankind? Why would it want to do anything?

      A. Natural Selection.

      http://www.computersthink.com/

    10. Re:The only book MS is qualified to write by mark-t · · Score: 1

      Apparently, you don't know what the "A" in AI stands for... or else you would realize that any notion of "natural selection" and AI are by definition mutually exclusive.

      --
      File under 'M' for 'Manic ranting'
    11. Re:The only book MS is qualified to write by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Folllow the link provided and learn.

  10. Preface written by Clippy? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Preface written by Clippy, the first microsoft AI ?

  11. How about an AI grammar checker? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Um, "foreword" != "forward"

  12. Its not Intelligent, stop calling it that by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Expert systems are not ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE.

    Stop talking about AI like you have created it -- you havent.

  13. I'd buy it by Opportunist · · Score: 0, Troll

    If MS has shown one thing consistently, then how NOT to do something. Buy the book, do the opposite of whatever they tell you to do, be successful!

    --
    We used to have a Bill of Rights. Now, with the rights gone, all we have left is the bill.
    1. Re:I'd buy it by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      They have a market cap in excess of $500 billion

    2. Re:I'd buy it by Shogun37 · · Score: 1

      Artificial Intelligence is no match for Natural Stupidity! Wanna avoid the singularity? Patch your AI into Slashdot!

    3. Re:I'd buy it by Opportunist · · Score: 0

      Now imagine where they could be if they had any idea what they were doing!

      --
      We used to have a Bill of Rights. Now, with the rights gone, all we have left is the bill.
    4. Re:I'd buy it by HiThere · · Score: 1

      Doesn't work. There are lots of bad ways to do most things, so picking the apparent opposite of one bad way won't usually lead you to a good one.

      --

      I think we've pushed this "anyone can grow up to be president" thing too far.
    5. Re:I'd buy it by Major_Disorder · · Score: 1

      Buy the book, do the opposite of whatever they tell you to do, be successful!

      This is brilliant! I already use this method for all Gartner IT predictions, so it should be dead easy to implement for this book. Of course buying it might be a step too far. Perhaps a .torrent.

      --
      First law of people: People are generally stupid.
  14. Didn't expect to hear that.... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    > When it comes to the ethics and impact of artificial intelligence, Microsoft is literally trying to write the book.

    Ethics and Microsoft in the same sentence... now there is an oxymoron if I ever heard one.
    --
    Steve (AC because I haven't bothered to register in all these years)

  15. Do you wish to allow this action? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Allow / Cancel

  16. The only book Microsoft can write by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    has already been written.
    http://www.news.com.au/technology/windows-drawn-on-microsoft8217s-10-biggest-failures/news-story/42f021b06eb32c2713b1bcfaea4cc336

    Yes, I know this is article old, still worth a look though-

  17. meh by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    There will be Microsoft.AI, Google.AI, an Apple.AI, a Tesla.AI, a ScientificCommunity.AI, a DOD.AI, a Pr0n.AI.... They won't agree on something as simple as "Shall not kill bipedal water meat bags", therefore everything else will remain 'optional' as well.

  18. "How to Embrace, Extend and Extinguish Humanity" by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    THE Complete Artificial Idiot's Guide.

  19. I'd buy it:mislead. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Is that anything like getting sex education from Slashdot?

  20. No thanks by ilsaloving · · Score: 1

    Yeah no. Microsoft is as qualified to discuss ethics, as PETA is qualified to run a no-kill animal shelter.

    Unless we're talking one of those, "Be an example of what not to do" sort of things.

  21. Will Bill recommend this book? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    How low can his standards go?

  22. It figures by OneHundredAndTen · · Score: 1

    The AI community is infamous for overpromising and underdelivering for fifty years now. That's MS's territory.

  23. Slashrot by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Let us clasp our mouths to msmash's butthole for our daily cocktail of Microsoft public relations.

    Come back Commander Taco! All is forgiven! We'll even thrown in a lifetime VPN and a content bundle usually worth $10,000 for $1!

  24. A less connected company to intelligence ... by Darkness+Of+Course · · Score: 1

    Is hard to imagine. Natural or artificial.

    Oracle is worse, obviously. But MS is the do all and be nothing company. I do find it amusing that they even bothered writing anything at all about AI much less a book. Nobody looks to them for AI, certainly not for any future visions related to it.

  25. Links by eulernet · · Score: 2

    The link provided in the article doesn't show anything with Javascript disabled.

    So here is the original link:
    https://blogs.microsoft.com/bl...

    The book is here:
    https://msblob.blob.core.windo...

  26. Backward to the future by rdg55 · · Score: 1

    "...with a forward from longtime lawyer..." A forward; not a foreword? I leave the forums for a decade and their still crap. Could of known it. Well, better safe then sorry. Yes... pedantic. Yes, they're all intentional.