Dreyfus H.L., Dreyfus S.E. Mind over Machine. The Power of Human Intuition and Expertise in the Era of Computer

Monograph. — New York: The Free Press, 1988. — XVIII, 231 p.Arguing the power of human intuition over the technical strengths of computer technology, Hubert and Stuart Dreyfus present a stunning reaffirmation of human intelligence.A compelling approach to inferiority of binary logic, Mind Over Machine presents a reassuring argument that human intuition and expertise will remain far more valuable than technology develops.The myth of the superiority of artificial intelligence is examined and dispelled. The authors, one a philosopher and the other a computer scientist, argue that even highly advanced systems only correspond to the very early stages of human learning and that there are many human skills that computers will never be able to emulate. The mind will always be superior to the machine. To illustrate their point, they set forth a model documenting five distinct levels - novice, advanced beginner, competent, proficient and expert - through which human beings pass in acquiring and mastering a skill. The two final stages require a degree of intuitive intelligence far beyond the most ambitious projects being planned for the future. The authors acknowledge the huge progress made by computers and the massive advantages to be gained from using them, but they stress that their value can only lie in their use as aids, never as substitutes for the human mind.This book is not about machines or even AI. It is about human cognition and how we deal with the world around us. Dreyfus presents very interesting arguments for human expertise, and how it develops (or don't). Highly recommended for any kind of professionals, particularly those in social sciences.