In Atlas of Anomalous AI, Ben Vickers and K Allado-McDowell challenge our linear understanding of artificial intelligence. Drawing inspiration from Aby Warburg's Mnemosyne Atlas, this book weaves together ancient divination, historical practices like the I Ching, and cutting-edge AI research. Through a vibrant tapestry of stories, artworks by masters like Hilma af Klint and William Blake, and key texts on AI, the authors explore the multifaceted nature of intelligence. This isn't a technical manual; it's a journey through time and imagination, questioning what AI has been, is, and could become, revealing a hyperdimensional perspective on this rapidly evolving field. Prepare for a surprising and intellectually stimulating exploration of intelligence itself.
Review Atlas of Anomalous AI
Let me tell you about "Atlas of Anomalous AI," a book that left me with a fascinating jumble of thoughts and feelings. It's definitely not your typical textbook on artificial intelligence; in fact, calling it a "book" feels almost inadequate. It's more of an experience, a richly illustrated and conceptually dense journey through the history of human attempts to understand intelligence, from the Oracle at Delphi to the latest breakthroughs in machine learning. The authors, Ben Vickers and K Allado-McDowell, bravely weave together seemingly disparate threads – ancient divination, knotted quipu, the I Ching, even the nine billion names of God – all to illuminate our complex and often fraught relationship with AI.
The book's structure, inspired by Aby Warburg's Mnemosyne Atlas, is visually stunning. The layout is a joy to explore, a feast for the eyes that complements the intellectually stimulating text. Images by Emma Kunz, Pablo Amaringo, Carl Jung, and others punctuate the narrative, creating a truly multi-sensory experience. If you’re looking for a visually rich and intellectually stimulating exploration of AI, this book will deliver. The sheer breadth of material is impressive; the authors are not afraid to make bold connections and juxtapositions, forcing you to reconsider your preconceived notions about AI's origins and its potential future.
However, the book's ambitious scope also presents some challenges. While it beautifully connects ancient practices and modern technology, I found myself occasionally lost in the whirlwind of ideas. The connections felt sometimes tenuous, and the lack of a clear, linear narrative can be disorienting. The book's exploration of the politics of AI felt, at times, to outweigh its exploration of the philosophical and imaginative aspects, as promised in the description. While the political considerations are undeniably crucial, and certainly important to contemplate in discussion of AI, it sometimes overshadowed other equally valuable insights. I particularly felt the book fell short in its exploration of how AI and knowledge actually function compared to other sources, leaning heavily on a presentation of the political landscape rather than a deep dive into the mechanics of either.
This is not to say that I didn't enjoy significant portions of the book. There were moments of genuine brilliance – passages that sparked new ideas and challenged my assumptions. The creative juxtapositions of art, history, and technology were frequently captivating, and the book certainly succeeded in prompting me to think critically about AI in ways I hadn’t considered before. Ultimately, "Atlas of Anomalous AI" is a bold and ambitious work that, despite its flaws, delivers a unique and thought-provoking perspective on the subject. It’s not a book for everyone; those seeking a straightforward, technical explanation of AI algorithms might find it frustrating. But for those who appreciate a less conventional, more visually driven and conceptually challenging approach to the subject, this book is a rewarding, if somewhat uneven, intellectual adventure. I would recommend it, but with the caveat that you should go in prepared for a journey that’s both fascinating and occasionally perplexing.
Information
- Dimensions: 7 x 0.5 x 10.25 inches
- Language: English
- Print length: 312
- Publication date: 2025
- Publisher: Cosmogenesis