Thinking Machines: Exploring AI's Present and Future: Exploring AI's Present and Future

Thinking Machines:

Exploring AI’s Present and Future

By

Altaf Siddiqui, PhD

Greg Jameson

If you want help implementing any of the ideas in this

book, please schedule a time to talk with the authors at

Altaf Siddiqui: [email protected]

Greg Jameson: [email protected]

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ISBN-13: 978-0-9991727-2-8

ADVANCED PRAISE FOR THINKING MACHINES: EXPLORING AI’S PRESENT AND FUTURE

"Dr. Altaf Siddiqui and Greg Jameson have fed their

passion of sharing knowledge by demystifying the

complexities of Artificial Intelligence. Their combined

expertise, deep academic and instructional background in

IT and emerging technologies, and extensive experience in AI-driven business innovation brings a well-rounded and practical perspective to the subject. Their ability to break

down intricate AI concepts into relatable, real-world

applications is commendable. This book not only provides

a clear understanding of AI fundamentals but also offers

valuable guidance to entrepreneurs, professionals, and

learners seeking to navigate the AI landscape effectively.

Anyone looking to harness AI’s transformative potential in

both technical and strategic capacities, must read this

book."

-- Asif Allauddin, PMP, MBA, MIS & Finance

Vice President & Head of Global Delivery at Tectonic LLC

"Artificial Intelligence is no longer a futuristic fantasy, but

a present reality shaping every facet of our lives. In

Thinking Machines: Exploring AI's Present and Future,

Greg and Altaf provide a timely and essential exploration

of this rapidly evolving field. They navigate the intricacies of Machine Learning and Deep Learning while examining AI's impact on everyday life, healthcare, and the future impact on Employment due to AI and Automation. They

also tackle critical Ethical considerations and biases that

arise in AI Development, while also offering a forward-

looking outlook on its future and market trends.

I was enlightened by Greg and Altaf's clear and engaging

journey into the age of Intelligent Machines, empowering

many like myself to navigate the present and shape the

future of AI."

-- Waheed Abdul, Executive Director, AI & Innovation, TTEC Digital

"Artificial intelligence is no longer a concept of the

future—it’s here, shaping the way we work, shop,

communicate, and make decisions. Thinking Machines:

Exploring AI’s Present and Future is designed to help you,

and the everyday individuals and entrepreneurs navigate

the complex and ever-changing AI landscape with clarity

and confidence. Whether you are curious about how AI

influences your daily life or looking to integrate it into your

profession, or business strategy, this book breaks down key

concepts into accessible, real-world insights.

From fundamental AI principles—such as machine

learning, generative AI, deep learning, and data-driven

decision-making—to its role in automation, decision-

making, and competitive business strategies, this book

guides and explores both the opportunities and challenges

of AI adoption. Through practical examples and expert

analysis and questions, readers will gain a deep

appreciation for how AI is reshaping industries, lives, jobs,

and society. With an eye on ethical concerns, AI

limitations, and future market trends, I

recommend Thinking Machines as it empowers readers to

make informed decisions, harness AI’s potential, and stay

ahead in an AI-driven and advancing world."

--Dr. Khalid Mansour, AI Strategy and Transformation Leader,

School of Pharmacy,

Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado

Thinking Machines is an essential roadmap for anyone

navigating the evolving landscape of AI. Siddiqui and

Jameson expertly break down complex concepts, making

them accessible to both technical and non-technical

audiences. The book's blend of practical examples, ethical

considerations, and future trends provides a holistic

understanding of AI's transformative power. This is a must-read for anyone looking to harness AI's potential and stay ahead in an AI-driven world.

Kimberly Reynolds,

Co-Founder

AIAdvantageAgency.com

AI is reshaping the world, and Thinking Machines is the perfect intro for anyone looking to understand it. This book breaks down AI's history, key types, and real-world impact—especially how small businesses can use it to

compete.

The authors highlight why learning AI is essential, how it's transforming jobs, and the critical role of human-created data. Clear and insightful, Thinking Machines is a must-read for anyone wanting to stay ahead in the AI era.

- Samuel A. Helms, PhD.

Ai Coach and leading educational technologist beaconlearningai.com

CONTENTS

FORWARD ......................................................................................... 1

What to expect from this book? ....................................................... 4

Chapter 1: What is Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence (AI)? ................................................................................................... 5

Definitions and Core Concepts: .................................................... 5

Problems Where Neural Networks Shine ..................................... 8

Problems Where Neural Networks Are Suboptimal ................... 12

Why Some Problems Can't Be Done with Neural Networks ...... 16

Key Takeaway ............................................................................. 19

Knowledge Check: ...................................................................... 24

Chapter 2: Types of AI ..................................................................... 26

Inference and Reasoning Engines vs. Large Language Models (LLMs) ......................................................................................... 26

Relationship Between Inference Engines, LLMs, and Narrow vs.

General AI ................................................................................... 31

Narrow AI vs. General AI ............................................................. 32

Weak AI vs. Strong AI .................................................................. 33

Specialized Types of AI................................................................ 34

Superintelligence: A Thought Experiment .................................. 36

Key Takeaways ............................................................................ 37

Knowledge Check ........................................................................ 38

Chapter 3: ....................................................................................... 41 Deep Learning and Neural Networks .............................................. 41

Top 3 most-used algorithms: ...................................................... 47

Structure of a Neural Network ................................................... 49

Challenges and Considerations ................................................... 52

Applications of Deep Learning .................................................... 55

Knowledge Check: ...................................................................... 56

Chapter 4: AI in Everyday Life ......................................................... 66

AI Everywhere: Industry Spotlights ............................................ 66

AI for Consumers: Making Life Smarter ...................................... 68

The Invisible Hand of AI .............................................................. 70

The Double-Edged Sword of AI ................................................... 70

Wrapping Up ............................................................................... 71

Knowledge Check ........................................................................ 72

Chapter 5: AI as a Competitive Advantage ..................................... 75

How Businesses Are Using AI to Win .......................................... 75

AI for Small Businesses: Leveling the Playing Field ..................... 79

Strategic Thinking with AI ........................................................... 79

Challenges and Considerations ................................................... 80

Key Takeaways ............................................................................ 80

Knowledge Check ........................................................................ 81

Chapter 6: Automation and Jobs in AI ............................................ 84

Automation’s Impact on Employment: ...................................... 84

New Job Roles Emerging from AI:............................................... 88

The Balance Between Human Skills and Machine Intelligence: . 89

Chapter 6 Summary Diagram: .................................................... 92

Knowledge Check: ...................................................................... 94

Chapter 7: Importance of Data in AI ............................................... 99

Data as the Fuel of AI Systems .................................................... 99

Data as the Backbone of AI Systems ........................................... 99

The Role of Data in Enhancing AI Capabilities .......................... 101

Data Quality and Ethical Considerations .................................. 102

The Role of Big Data and Data Analytics ................................... 103

The Future of Data-Driven AI .................................................... 104

Data Collection, Cleaning, and Processing: ............................... 106

Data Collection: Laying the Foundation ................................... 106

Data Cleaning: Ensuring Quality and Integrity .......................... 108

Data Processing: Transforming Data for Analysis ..................... 109

Ensuring Data Quality and Ethical Considerations ................... 110

The Role of Big Data and Data Analytics ................................... 111

Ensuring Data Quality & Integrity ............................................. 113

Principles of Data Security ........................................................ 117

Ethical Considerations and Challenges ..................................... 118

Knowledge Check: .................................................................... 121

Chapter 8: AI in Decision Making .................................................. 124

AI for Augmented Decision Making: ......................................... 124

Steps Involved in AI Augmented Decision Making ................... 128

Predictive Analytics and Its Applications: ................................. 132

Knowledge Check: .................................................................... 149

Chapter 9: Ethics and Bias in AI .................................................... 153

Why Every Business Leader Needs to Understand AI............... 153

AI as a Decision-Making Tool .................................................... 153

Getting the Most Out of Your Investment ................................ 154

Managing Risks: Legal Compliance and Ethics .......................... 154

Building Proprietary AI Tools .................................................... 156

The Big Picture: Driving Innovation and Growth ...................... 157

Key Takeaways .......................................................................... 157

Chapter 10: AI Limitations ............................................................ 161

Technical Constraints (Explainability, Scalability): .................... 161

Knowledge Check: .................................................................... 180

Chapter 11: AI in Healthcare ......................................................... 185

Diagnostic AI Systems and Personalized Medicine: ................. 185

AI for Drug Discovery and Medical Research: .......................... 189

Ethical Implications in Medical AI: ............................................ 195

A Final Note for the Medical Community: ................................ 200

Knowledge Check: .................................................................... 205

Chapter 12: Future of AI and Market Trends ................................ 210

Key AI Trends in the Next Decade ............................................ 210

AI's Role in Shaping Society and the Economy ......................... 214

2. Societal Impact: .................................................................... 215

3. Ethical and Existential Considerations: ................................. 215

Preparing for an AI-Driven Future ............................................ 216

Key Takeaways .......................................................................... 218

Knowledge Check ...................................................................... 218

Exercise ..................................................................................... 219

Conclusion: The Road Forward in an AI-Driven World ................. 221

Embracing the Potential, Acknowledging the Risks .................. 221

The Human-AI Partnership ....................................................... 222

Preparing for the Future ........................................................... 223

Final Thoughts .......................................................................... 224

ABOUT THE AUTHORS ................................................................... 226

Dr. Altaf Siddiqui ....................................................................... 226

Greg Jameson ........................................................................... 227

FORWARD

THINKING MACHINES: EXPLORING AI’S PRESENT AND FUTURE

In a world that is rapidly advancing, where the boundaries between human capability and technological innovation continue to blur, understanding the essence and scope of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) has never been more crucial. This book serves as a vital primer, ushering readers into the fascinating world of AI, from its foundational theories to the cutting-edge applications that define our daily lives and sculpt our future, we are invited to navigate this dynamic field with both enthusiasm and critical awareness.

As a lifelong learner and educator, I am particularly excited about how AI can enhance educational experiences, creating personalized learning environments that adapt to individual needs. Yet, as we advance, we must proceed with a conscientious framework that prioritizes ethical considerations, ensuring that AI serves humanity with fairness and respect.

AI's potential to tailor learning experiences to individual needs, automate administrative tasks, and provide