The Complex Perspective

The Complex Perspective · 2016 ii.

Foreword

Humanity has arrived in the information and knowledge society. The many changes brought about by new technical and social inventions have barely been absorbed, and already further developments are appearing on the horizon: the Internet of Things, Big Data, data science, intelligent robots, and self-driving cars with artificial intelligence.

Many people are deeply skeptical and fear that these new technologies threaten privacy and freedom. Typical headlines and book titles use phrases such as “surveillance state,” “data octopuses,” and “they know everything about us.” Others are driven more by economic fears: job losses, “digital turbo-capitalism,” or internet corporations taking over the world. Politicians, in turn, exploit these fears to advance their political and economic interests.

For that reason, information technology, the economy, and politics must be considered together. The topic is broad because information technology affects many areas of life. To understand the limits of artificial intelligence, we must also know the limits of human intelligence. To judge how dangerous misguided regulation can be, we need a basic understanding of economics.

That is why this book explains fundamentals from many different fields and provides the basic knowledge for the new digital economy and society:

The book is intended for everyone; no special prior knowledge is required. After reading it, you will be able to look at the world and technological development from the perspective of “complex systems” and reassess the “risks.”

I wish all readers much enjoyment in reading and reflecting. I am grateful for constructive comments by email.

Hamburg, March 2016

Jörn Dinkla, joern@dinkla.net

Acknowledgements

Thanks to Ruben J. Moor for his constructive criticism. I also thank my parents for their support.