Computer Power and Human Reason

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Joseph Weizenbaum's influential 1976 book Computer Power and Human Reason: From Judgment To Calculation (San Francisco: W. H. Freeman, 1976; ISBN 0-7167-0463-3) displays his ambivalence towards computer technology and lays out his case: while artificial intelligence may be possible, we should never allow computers to make important decisions because computers will always lack human qualities such as compassion and wisdom. This he sees as a consequence of their not having been raised in the emotional environment of a human family.

[edit] External links

• Review of Computer Power and Human Reason
• Excerpt from Computer Power and Human Reason
• Documentary Film on Joseph Weizenbaum, his life, his book and his humor Weizenbaum. Rebel at Work.