About the Author

James R. Simpson is Affiliate Professor and Senior Fellow, Thomas S. Foley Institute for Public Policy and Public Service, Washington State University, Professor Emeritus, University of Florida, and Professor Emeritus, Ryukoku University, in Japan. His specialty as an international economist includes training and a career as a scientist in techniques and technologies that fit in robotics and artificial intelligence. He has focused on long-term projections of technological change as part of living and working abroad and has engaged in extensive consulting with organizations such as The World Bank. Publications include over 375 articles, monographs and software, and nine books. One of those, that has many hallmarks of the topics in this book, "Is Today's Food Situation Good for Japan? Warning from an American Researcher," was awarded Best Book of the Year by the Japanese Agricultural Journalists Association.

Reviews

"James Simpson has written a riveting, whirlwind tour through the promise and danger of uncontrolled development of technology. From genomics and nanotechnology to superintelligence and radical humanoidization, the noted economist and Senior Fellow at the Foley Institute writes lucidly about how AI and robotics are radically changing how humans relate to each other and the world around us. Simpson explains the intertwining roles of science, wealth, and government leading to the frenzied race to technologize, and the consequences that have not yet been fully considered. Calmly assessing the risks and benefits of new technologies, the author avoids doomsday theorizing and makes a major contribution in suggesting the "precautionary principle" as a guide to future development. AI Prevails is a sobering but measured exploration of the scientific ambitions, dreams, and nightmares shaping our lives in the future. The analysis is at once chilling and hopeful, a must-read for anyone asking the fundamental question: What should our future look like?" -Cornell W. Clayton, C.O. Johnson Distinguished Professor of Political Science, and Director of the Thomas S. Foley Institute for Public Service and Public Policy at Washington State University
"It is true that life has become more comfortable with technology. But, as Professor Simpson meticulously spells out, ultra-rapid development of robots and artificial intelligence (AI) is a sign of a new era, an uncharted zone for humans. Unlike authors that specialize in the future, the author is careful to avoid doomsday theorizing. Uniquely, he presents facts based on his economic and scientific background in a way that makes an engaging and hard-to-put-down read. Professor Simpson has an unparalleled convincing case for a practical method to deal with research on superintelligence and the specter of joblessness. That is the European created internationally used legal procedure termed the Precautionary Principle to protect humankind by seeking to proactively regulate risks. Rightly, and with vigor, he argues forcibly against the United States regulator's approach for evidence of actual harm before regulating. Not only is that in violation of international law, common sense tells us to avoid a situation we will regret in the near future." -Masaru Yamada, freelance journalist
"Simpson's portrayal of our planet's plausible future just a few decades from now is a wake-up call for humanity. Moral, ethical, theological, and political ramifications of artificial intelligence must be addressed now in order to ensure a safe, fulfilling life for our children and grandchildren. A fascinating depiction of robotic and humanoid development that reads like science fiction-and sure to engender lively discussion for your book club." -Bernice Konkell, entrepreneur