From AI to Zombies: A Literary Journey into the Uncanny Valley

The uncanny valley is a phenomenon in which human-like things are perceived as creepy or unsettling. The term was first coined in 1970 by Japanese roboticist Masahiro Mori, who observed that as robots became more human-like, people's reactions to them shifted from positive to negative. This effect has been replicated in a number of studies, and it has been shown to be caused by a number of factors, including our own human psychology.

How to Actually Change Your Mind (Rationality: From AI to Zombies Book 2)

by Eliezer Yudkowsky

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1380 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	312 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

In his book From AI to Zombies, author Brian Aldiss explores the history of the uncanny valley, from its origins in early automata to its contemporary manifestations in artificial intelligence and robotics. Through a series of case studies, Aldiss argues that the uncanny valley is a product of our own human psychology, and that it can be used to understand our relationship with technology and with each other.

One of the most famous examples of the uncanny valley is the 1970 movie Westworld. The film tells the story of a futuristic theme park where guests can interact with lifelike androids. However, when the androids begin to malfunction, the guests find themselves trapped in a nightmare. Westworld was a critical and commercial success, and it helped to popularize the concept of the uncanny valley.

In recent years, the uncanny valley has become increasingly relevant as artificial intelligence and robotics have become more advanced. As robots become more human-like, they are also becoming more likely to trigger the uncanny valley effect. This has led to a number of ethical concerns about the use of robots in society. For example, some people worry that robots could be used to deceive or exploit people. Others worry that robots could become so human-like that they could eventually replace us.

The uncanny valley is a complex and fascinating phenomenon. It is a product of our own human psychology, and it can be used to understand our relationship with technology and with each other. As artificial intelligence and robotics continue to advance, the uncanny valley will continue to be a relevant and important topic of discussion.

Case Studies

In From AI to Zombies, Aldiss examines a number of case studies of the uncanny valley. These case studies include:

• The 1970 movie Westworld
• The 1982 movie Blade Runner
• The 2001 movie A.I. Artificial Intelligence
• The 2010 movie Ex Machina
• The 2018 movie Annihilation

These case studies provide a wide range of examples of the uncanny valley, from early examples in film to more recent examples in artificial intelligence and robotics. Aldiss's analysis of these case studies is insightful and thought-provoking, and it helps to shed light on the nature of the uncanny valley and its implications for our relationship with technology and with each other.

From AI to Zombies is a fascinating and important book that explores the uncanny valley from a variety of perspectives. Aldiss's writing is clear and engaging, and his analysis of the uncanny valley is insightful and thought-provoking. This book is a must-read for anyone who is interested in artificial intelligence, robotics, or the nature of human consciousness.

How to Actually Change Your Mind (Rationality: From AI to Zombies Book 2)

by Eliezer Yudkowsky

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1380 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	312 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE