Steve Shwartz
AI Author, Entrepreneur, Investor
Artificial Intelligence
New Haven, CT, USA
Listen to Steve’s podcast on the Digital Executive, Sept. 16, 2020
Steve started his career working with Roger Schank as a postdoc in the Yale University Artificial Lab. Steve helped Roger start one of the first AI companies, Cognitive Systems, which progressed to a public offering in 1986. Steve then started Esperant which produced one of the leading Business Intelligence products of the 1990s. As the AI Winter of the 1990s set in, Steve transitioned into a career as a successful serial software entrepreneur and investor and created several companies that were either acquired or had a public offering.
“Applied Natural Language Processing,” his first book, was published in 1987. He also maintains a website, Air Perspectives that contains a free 400-page AI Handbook.
Steve Shwartz is the author of Evil Robots, Killer Computers, and Other Myths: The Truth About AI and the Future of Humanity, a book that seeks to debunk common misconceptions about artificial intelligence (AI) and its potential impact on society. Shwartz brings a unique perspective to the discussion, having been deeply involved in the development of AI technology over several decades. He holds a PhD in computer science from Johns Hopkins University and has co-founded several successful AI companies. His extensive experience in both academia and industry allows him to provide an informed and balanced view of AI’s capabilities and limitations.
In Evil Robots, Killer Computers, and Other Myths, Shwartz argues that the alarmist views often portrayed in the media about AI—such as robots taking over the world or AI developing a will of its own—are largely unfounded. He explains that while AI has made impressive advances, especially in areas like natural language processing and image recognition, it is still far from achieving the general intelligence needed to pose existential threats to humanity. Shwartz delves into the technical aspects of AI, breaking down complex topics into accessible explanations for a general audience.
A key theme in the book is the distinction between current AI systems, which are specialized and limited in scope, and the hypothetical notion of superintelligent AI. Shwartz stresses that while AI is a powerful tool with potential to transform industries, it does not possess consciousness or intentionality. The author also addresses ethical concerns related to AI, such as privacy issues and bias in algorithms, and offers suggestions for responsible development and regulation.
Through his book, Shwartz aims to dispel the myths surrounding AI and encourages readers to focus on the real challenges and opportunities the technology presents, rather than getting caught up in dystopian fears.
