How AI Thinks

How AI Thinks: How We Built It, How It Can Help Us, and How We Can Control It" by Nigel Toon offers a clear, accessible look at how artificial intelligence works, what it can do for society, and why human oversight is critical.

Nigel Toon breaks down the complex history and inner workings of AI, showing how it mimics aspects of human thinking through data and algorithms. He explores the transformative potential of AI across fields like medicine, climate science, and education—while also cautioning against unchecked development.

The book emphasizes that while AI can enhance human capability, it doesn’t truly “think” or understand. Its decisions are shaped by the data and goals we provide. Toon warns against blindly trusting these systems and stresses the need for ethical frameworks, transparency, and human control to ensure AI serves society, not undermines it.

In essence, the book is both a technical guide and a moral roadmap—urging us to shape AI wisely before it shapes us.