First published 1999
Hubert Dreyfus examines the fundamental differences between human intelligence and artificial intelligence systems. The philosopher argues that human understanding emerges from our embodied experience in the world, not from abstract symbol manipulation. Dreyfus challenges computational theories of mind by showing how skilled human behavior relies on intuitive responses developed through bodily interaction with environments. He demonstrates that AI researchers misunderstand the nature of human expertise, which operates through practiced familiarity rather than explicit rules. The book traces how phenomenological philosophy, particularly the work of Heidegger and Merleau-Ponty, reveals the limitations of digital approaches to replicating human cognition. Dreyfus offers readers a compelling critique of technological optimism and a deeper appreciation for the irreplaceable qualities of human intelligence.
Genres: science, philosophy, artificial-intelligence, academic
Vibes: thought-provoking
Tropes: academic-setting, critique-of-technology
336 pages · Paperback · University of Arkansas Press