Ideas for a responsible future

AI can support creativity, research, and everyday work. It also raises questions about our livelihoods, data, and privacy. Taming the Machine explores these possibilities and the responsibilities that come with them.

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Nell Watson examines governance, fairness, transparency, and safety, alongside the wider effects of increasingly capable machines. Explore the ethical questions, consider the safeguards, and find practical action points for leaders.

Taming the Machine book cover — “An actionable guide for safer and more ethical AI.” Jaan Tallinn, co-founder, Centre for the Study of Existential Risk

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Inside the book

Introduction to AI Today

Understand the ethical questions shaping today’s AI.

History and Roadmap of AI

Trace AI’s development and consider where it may lead.

AI's Promise and Peril

Explore new possibilities alongside their risks and responsibilities.

Robots and Avatars

Consider how robots and avatars change work and collaboration.

Coordinating Chaos and Complexity

Explore AI’s role in making sense of complex problems.

Science and Innovation

Examine AI’s contribution to research and discovery.

Responsible AI Governance

Explore frameworks for responsible development and use.

Transparency and Explainability

Understand transparency and explainability in automated decisions.

Breaking Down Biases

Identify and reduce bias and unfair outcomes.

Ethical Accountability

Consider who is responsible for decisions and their effects.

Preserving Privacy

Explore safeguards for personal information.

Fairness and Franchise

Examine fairness and inclusion in algorithmic decisions.

Taskmasters

Explore algorithmic management and its effects on work.

Virtual Learning

Consider personalised, immersive, and adaptive learning.

Synthetic Media

Examine the changing boundaries of authentic and synthetic media.

Brain-Computer Interfaces

Explore connections between the human brain and digital devices.

Sirens and Muses

Consider machine companionship, emotional support, and their risks.

Battle for the Mind

Examine influence, persuasion, and psychological risks.

Humanity's Problem Child

Consider the responsibilities that come with capable machines.

Value Alignment

Explore the challenge of aligning technology with values.

Corporate Egregores

Examine corporate incentives and their wider consequences.

The Double-Edged Sword of Regulation

Consider the opportunities and limits of regulation.

Sympathy for the Machine

Explore moral questions about our treatment of machines.

Humanizing Machines

Consider how human experience shapes machine behaviour.

Security and Robustness

Explore safeguards against failure and misuse.

Sustainable Wellbeing

Consider AI’s role in sustainability and wellbeing.

AGI Futures

Explore possible futures for highly advanced AI.

Thoughts Made Manifest

Consider how human and machine minds may develop together.

Glossary

Find clear explanations of key concepts.

In a Nutshell…

Bring the themes together through standards and safeguards.

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Praise for the book

№1 New Release “AI Expert Systems!” on Amazon Named an “Outstanding Academic Title” on CHOICE

“A clear, actionable guide for safer and more ethical AI”

Jaan Tallinn Co-founder, Centre for the Study of Existential Risk

“A great resource for anyone who wants to understand AI and to use it humanely.”

Steve Omohundro Founder and CEO, Beneficial AI Research

“Nell Watson has written the magisterial work on AI risk, including AI's encoded human warts, its relentlessly algorithmic amorality, and our inadequate means of taming it. A complete and compelling work.”

Max Borders Author and Co-founder, Future Frontiers

Illustrated portrait of Jonathan Leighton

“In this sweeping overview of the potential promises and perils of AI, Nell Watson masterfully combines a detailed understanding of the underlying technology and approaches being used to develop AI capabilities.”

Jonathan Leighton Ethics Strategist and Author

“I found this an excellent read, which sums up the current state of development of AI computing and looks at some pathways and some possible outcomes. The writing is nicely done and there are some clear tables that are very helpful.”

Clare O'Beara Award-winning Author and Journalist

“'Taming the Machine' beautifully unpacks the complexities of AI and its ethical considerations. Watson has produced a seminal text for technical and non-technical readers alike to guide us as we introduce AI into the human experience.”

Lillie Beiting Senior Manager and Enterprise Architect

“Taming the Machine is one of the most personally impactful, stimulating books I have read in some time. I gained broader awareness and deeper appreciation for what it takes to create ethical AI, and I've already started recommending it to colleagues.”

Michael Glazer Organizational Development Consultant

“I've always loved how Nell's mind works! This book was a joy to read! Get a copy!”

Renée Cummings AI Ethicist and Data Activist

“Each chapter is self-contained and concise, with bite-size summaries and action points for leaders, offering both easy reference and actionable takeaways for the workforce. As an academic who continually navigates the ethical use of AI in university teaching, curriculum, and policy, I will often reference this text.”

D. P. Prianti Assistant Teaching Philosophy Professor, Gannon University

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Illustrated portrait of Nell Watson, author of Taming the Machine

About Nell Watson

Eleanor ‘Nell’ Watson, a pioneering ethics and machine intelligence researcher, has been a driving force behind some of the most crucial AI ethics standardization and certification initiatives from organizations such as the IEEE.

She advises leaders all over the world on ethical and effective management of world-changing organizations.

Talks and interviews

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Explore the opportunities, risks, and responsibilities of working with AI.

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Also by Nell Watson

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Explore Safer Agentic AI

Taming the Machine: Ethically Harness the Power of AI