New Publication: Joseph Weizenbaum and Artificial Intelligence
05/28/2026Will computers one day surpass human intelligence, and if so: could they pose a danger to us? Or might technological progress, on the contrary, represent our strongest hope in addressing global challenges such as poverty, disease, and climate change?
Perspectives on new technological developments have always been shaped by the tension between enthusiasm and skepticism. In Myths and Criticism of Artificial Intelligence: Joseph Weizenbaum (1923–2008), WI researcher Christian Strippel revisits the criticism of Weizenbaum, a prominent pioneer and skeptic of the use of computers and Artificial Intelligence. He also examines today’s debates surrounding AI and demonstrates that many of these seemingly new discussions in fact have a long history.
The book is the English edition of Künstliche Intelligenz zwischen Mythos und Kritik and was published as part of the joint publication series of the Weizenbaum Institute and the Berlin State Center for Political Education. It was produced as part of the anniversary year #ELIZA60.