{"product_id":"9781509574339","title":"Understanding Artificial Intelligence A Critical Introduction for the Humanities and Social Sciences","description":"\u003ch3\u003eAI \u0026amp; Society\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003ch1\u003eUnderstanding Artificial Intelligence\u003c\/h1\u003e\u003ch2\u003eA Critical Introduction for the Humanities and Social Sciences\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003ch3\u003eDavid J. Gunkel\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cb\u003eSocial Science \/ Media Studies\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cdiv\u003eArtificial intelligence can no longer be confined to research and development efforts in a handful of STEM disciplines. It now actively participates in and shapes how we—all of us—work, communicate, learn, and create. \u003ci\u003eUnderstanding Artificial Intelligence \u003c\/i\u003eoffers a clear and critical guide to this transformative technology, written especially for students and scholars in the arts, humanities, and social sciences.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBringing together insights from philosophy, history, media studies, and communication, award-winning educator David J. Gunkel explains what AI is, how it works, and why it matters. The book introduces key concepts—from algorithms, neural networks, and deep learning to natural language processing, large language models, and generative AI—while examining the cultural narratives and the political, social, and ethical debates that surround them. Readers are invited to explore how AI redefines creativity, authorship, responsibility, and even what it means to be human.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBalancing accessible technical explanation with rigorous critical reflection, \u003ci\u003eUnderstanding Artificial Intelligence \u003c\/i\u003eequips readers to engage with AI technologies with confidence and discernment. It is both a map of today's rapidly evolving AI landscape and a call to participate in shaping its future—essential reading for anyone who wants to understand how artificial intelligence will transform knowledge, culture, and everyday life.\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e \u003cb\u003eDavid J. Gunkel\u003c\/b\u003e is Professor of Communication Studies at Northern Illinois University, and Professor of Applied Ethics at Lazarski University, Poland.\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePublication Date: \u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e24 November 2026\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePublisher: \u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePolity Press\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eImprint: \u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePolity\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eISBN-13: \u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e9781509574339\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFormat: \u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePaperback \/ softback\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePage Count: \u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e256\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e","brand":"Polity Press","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47648900841612,"sku":"9781509574339","price":20.66,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0710\/9545\/1788\/files\/9781509574339.jpg?v=1781092713","url":"https:\/\/fh90cf-fv.myshopify.com\/products\/9781509574339","provider":"Late Knight Books and Services, LLC","version":"1.0","type":"link"}