Nominator's statement

A visionary work of constructive criticistm that correctly predicted the failure of symbolic AI.

comments

• I don't think symbolic AI has failed (yet), and Dreyfus just doesn't get it".

• The nominator's limited mind-set is revealed by his choice of words. I find it amusing that those who claim that 'symbolic AI' has somehow failed are probably using AI programs every time they press a brake pedal or use their credit card. Dreyfus' book should be included, for historical reasons, in the same way that a history of astronomy should mention Hoyle's steady-state cosmology.

• AI has had many successes, and is still making progress. Symbolic AI can do many important things that non-symbolic AI cannot yet. However, this work does make influential criticisms in forming general skepticism and anxiety concerning AI.

• The nominator's account must be his/her opinion. This book is a good criticism of symbolic ai.

• The conflicting opinions of the commentators on this work are a clear testemony to its ongoing relevance! Dreyfus has been not only one of the most influential critics of "cognitivism" (mind = rules and representations), but his writings have stimulated alternative approaches to cognition such as Varela et. al.'s "enaction". This book should be in the Top 10!