Oxford University philosopher Nick Bostrom offers a cautionary take on artificial intelligence in his new book, Superintelligence: Paths, Dangers, Strategies. In it, he imagines what could happen if computers were to ever become smarter than humans. He tells Steve Paulson that it could have catastrophic effects, unless we start thinking about it now.
Intelligent. Optimistic. Curious.
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Kamran Pasha has written a novel called "Mother of the Believers." It's the story of Muhammad's third wife, Aisha, whom he married when she was very young.
Novelist Mary Gordon used to bristle at the label "Catholic writer," but she's made peace with it now.
Phillip Pullman tells Steve Paulson that he thinks the process of how children develop into adult, moral people is the most interesting subject there is.
Looking for a spring read? If you've got a taste for Scandinavian crime fiction, Jens Lapidus's "Easy Money" might satisfy. In this NEW and UNCUT interview, Lapidus tells Steve Paulson that he sees himself as the anti-Stieg Larsson. A movie based on the novel is due to be released this summer. Enjoy!
Michael Pollan tells Judith Strasser where the American front lawn came from, and what it has come to symbolize.
Michael Benson is a film-maker who’s compiled an extraordinary book of still photographs. Lawrence Weschler wrote the book’s Afterward.
Rachel Pastan reads from and talks with Steve Paulson about her novel "Lady of the Snakes." The book concerns a young professor of 19th century Russian literature confronted with combining her professional life and motherhood.
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