Author: Wolfgang Ertel
Publisher: Springer
ISBN: 3319584871
Category : Computers
Languages : en
Pages : 365
Book Description
This accessible and engaging textbook presents a concise introduction to the exciting field of artificial intelligence (AI). The broad-ranging discussion covers the key subdisciplines within the field, describing practical algorithms and concrete applications in the areas of agents, logic, search, reasoning under uncertainty, machine learning, neural networks, and reinforcement learning. Fully revised and updated, this much-anticipated second edition also includes new material on deep learning. Topics and features: presents an application-focused and hands-on approach to learning, with supplementary teaching resources provided at an associated website; contains numerous study exercises and solutions, highlighted examples, definitions, theorems, and illustrative cartoons; includes chapters on predicate logic, PROLOG, heuristic search, probabilistic reasoning, machine learning and data mining, neural networks and reinforcement learning; reports on developments in deep learning, including applications of neural networks to generate creative content such as text, music and art (NEW); examines performance evaluation of clustering algorithms, and presents two practical examples explaining Bayes’ theorem and its relevance in everyday life (NEW); discusses search algorithms, analyzing the cycle check, explaining route planning for car navigation systems, and introducing Monte Carlo Tree Search (NEW); includes a section in the introduction on AI and society, discussing the implications of AI on topics such as employment and transportation (NEW). Ideal for foundation courses or modules on AI, this easy-to-read textbook offers an excellent overview of the field for students of computer science and other technical disciplines, requiring no more than a high-school level of knowledge of mathematics to understand the material.
Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
Author: Wolfgang Ertel
Publisher: Springer
ISBN: 3319584871
Category : Computers
Languages : en
Pages : 365
Book Description
This accessible and engaging textbook presents a concise introduction to the exciting field of artificial intelligence (AI). The broad-ranging discussion covers the key subdisciplines within the field, describing practical algorithms and concrete applications in the areas of agents, logic, search, reasoning under uncertainty, machine learning, neural networks, and reinforcement learning. Fully revised and updated, this much-anticipated second edition also includes new material on deep learning. Topics and features: presents an application-focused and hands-on approach to learning, with supplementary teaching resources provided at an associated website; contains numerous study exercises and solutions, highlighted examples, definitions, theorems, and illustrative cartoons; includes chapters on predicate logic, PROLOG, heuristic search, probabilistic reasoning, machine learning and data mining, neural networks and reinforcement learning; reports on developments in deep learning, including applications of neural networks to generate creative content such as text, music and art (NEW); examines performance evaluation of clustering algorithms, and presents two practical examples explaining Bayes’ theorem and its relevance in everyday life (NEW); discusses search algorithms, analyzing the cycle check, explaining route planning for car navigation systems, and introducing Monte Carlo Tree Search (NEW); includes a section in the introduction on AI and society, discussing the implications of AI on topics such as employment and transportation (NEW). Ideal for foundation courses or modules on AI, this easy-to-read textbook offers an excellent overview of the field for students of computer science and other technical disciplines, requiring no more than a high-school level of knowledge of mathematics to understand the material.
Publisher: Springer
ISBN: 3319584871
Category : Computers
Languages : en
Pages : 365
Book Description
This accessible and engaging textbook presents a concise introduction to the exciting field of artificial intelligence (AI). The broad-ranging discussion covers the key subdisciplines within the field, describing practical algorithms and concrete applications in the areas of agents, logic, search, reasoning under uncertainty, machine learning, neural networks, and reinforcement learning. Fully revised and updated, this much-anticipated second edition also includes new material on deep learning. Topics and features: presents an application-focused and hands-on approach to learning, with supplementary teaching resources provided at an associated website; contains numerous study exercises and solutions, highlighted examples, definitions, theorems, and illustrative cartoons; includes chapters on predicate logic, PROLOG, heuristic search, probabilistic reasoning, machine learning and data mining, neural networks and reinforcement learning; reports on developments in deep learning, including applications of neural networks to generate creative content such as text, music and art (NEW); examines performance evaluation of clustering algorithms, and presents two practical examples explaining Bayes’ theorem and its relevance in everyday life (NEW); discusses search algorithms, analyzing the cycle check, explaining route planning for car navigation systems, and introducing Monte Carlo Tree Search (NEW); includes a section in the introduction on AI and society, discussing the implications of AI on topics such as employment and transportation (NEW). Ideal for foundation courses or modules on AI, this easy-to-read textbook offers an excellent overview of the field for students of computer science and other technical disciplines, requiring no more than a high-school level of knowledge of mathematics to understand the material.
Artificial Intelligence
Author: Richard E. Neapolitan
Publisher: CRC Press
ISBN: 1351384392
Category : Computers
Languages : en
Pages : 481
Book Description
The first edition of this popular textbook, Contemporary Artificial Intelligence, provided an accessible and student friendly introduction to AI. This fully revised and expanded update, Artificial Intelligence: With an Introduction to Machine Learning, Second Edition, retains the same accessibility and problem-solving approach, while providing new material and methods. The book is divided into five sections that focus on the most useful techniques that have emerged from AI. The first section of the book covers logic-based methods, while the second section focuses on probability-based methods. Emergent intelligence is featured in the third section and explores evolutionary computation and methods based on swarm intelligence. The newest section comes next and provides a detailed overview of neural networks and deep learning. The final section of the book focuses on natural language understanding. Suitable for undergraduate and beginning graduate students, this class-tested textbook provides students and other readers with key AI methods and algorithms for solving challenging problems involving systems that behave intelligently in specialized domains such as medical and software diagnostics, financial decision making, speech and text recognition, genetic analysis, and more.
Publisher: CRC Press
ISBN: 1351384392
Category : Computers
Languages : en
Pages : 481
Book Description
The first edition of this popular textbook, Contemporary Artificial Intelligence, provided an accessible and student friendly introduction to AI. This fully revised and expanded update, Artificial Intelligence: With an Introduction to Machine Learning, Second Edition, retains the same accessibility and problem-solving approach, while providing new material and methods. The book is divided into five sections that focus on the most useful techniques that have emerged from AI. The first section of the book covers logic-based methods, while the second section focuses on probability-based methods. Emergent intelligence is featured in the third section and explores evolutionary computation and methods based on swarm intelligence. The newest section comes next and provides a detailed overview of neural networks and deep learning. The final section of the book focuses on natural language understanding. Suitable for undergraduate and beginning graduate students, this class-tested textbook provides students and other readers with key AI methods and algorithms for solving challenging problems involving systems that behave intelligently in specialized domains such as medical and software diagnostics, financial decision making, speech and text recognition, genetic analysis, and more.
Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
Author: Philip C. Jackson
Publisher: Courier Dover Publications
ISBN: 0486832864
Category : Computers
Languages : en
Pages : 545
Book Description
Can computers think? Can they use reason to develop their own concepts, solve complex problems, understand our languages? This updated edition of a comprehensive survey includes extensive new text on "Artificial Intelligence in the 21st Century," introducing deep neural networks, conceptual graphs, languages of thought, mental models, metacognition, economic prospects, and research toward human-level AI. Ideal for both lay readers and students of computer science, the original text features abundant illustrations, diagrams, and photographs as well as challenging exercises. Lucid, easy-to-read discussions examine problem-solving methods and representations, game playing, automated understanding of natural languages, heuristic search theory, robot systems, heuristic scene analysis, predicate-calculus theorem proving, automatic programming, and many other topics.
Publisher: Courier Dover Publications
ISBN: 0486832864
Category : Computers
Languages : en
Pages : 545
Book Description
Can computers think? Can they use reason to develop their own concepts, solve complex problems, understand our languages? This updated edition of a comprehensive survey includes extensive new text on "Artificial Intelligence in the 21st Century," introducing deep neural networks, conceptual graphs, languages of thought, mental models, metacognition, economic prospects, and research toward human-level AI. Ideal for both lay readers and students of computer science, the original text features abundant illustrations, diagrams, and photographs as well as challenging exercises. Lucid, easy-to-read discussions examine problem-solving methods and representations, game playing, automated understanding of natural languages, heuristic search theory, robot systems, heuristic scene analysis, predicate-calculus theorem proving, automatic programming, and many other topics.
Introduction to Machine Learning
Author: Ethem Alpaydin
Publisher: MIT Press
ISBN: 0262028182
Category : Computers
Languages : en
Pages : 639
Book Description
Introduction -- Supervised learning -- Bayesian decision theory -- Parametric methods -- Multivariate methods -- Dimensionality reduction -- Clustering -- Nonparametric methods -- Decision trees -- Linear discrimination -- Multilayer perceptrons -- Local models -- Kernel machines -- Graphical models -- Brief contents -- Hidden markov models -- Bayesian estimation -- Combining multiple learners -- Reinforcement learning -- Design and analysis of machine learning experiments.
Publisher: MIT Press
ISBN: 0262028182
Category : Computers
Languages : en
Pages : 639
Book Description
Introduction -- Supervised learning -- Bayesian decision theory -- Parametric methods -- Multivariate methods -- Dimensionality reduction -- Clustering -- Nonparametric methods -- Decision trees -- Linear discrimination -- Multilayer perceptrons -- Local models -- Kernel machines -- Graphical models -- Brief contents -- Hidden markov models -- Bayesian estimation -- Combining multiple learners -- Reinforcement learning -- Design and analysis of machine learning experiments.
Introduction to AI Robotics, second edition
Author: Robin R. Murphy
Publisher: MIT Press
ISBN: 026203848X
Category : Computers
Languages : en
Pages : 649
Book Description
A comprehensive survey of artificial intelligence algorithms and programming organization for robot systems, combining theoretical rigor and practical applications. This textbook offers a comprehensive survey of artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms and programming organization for robot systems. Readers who master the topics covered will be able to design and evaluate an artificially intelligent robot for applications involving sensing, acting, planning, and learning. A background in AI is not required; the book introduces key AI topics from all AI subdisciplines throughout the book and explains how they contribute to autonomous capabilities. This second edition is a major expansion and reorganization of the first edition, reflecting the dramatic advances made in AI over the past fifteen years. An introductory overview provides a framework for thinking about AI for robotics, distinguishing between the fundamentally different design paradigms of automation and autonomy. The book then discusses the reactive functionality of sensing and acting in AI robotics; introduces the deliberative functions most often associated with intelligence and the capability of autonomous initiative; surveys multi-robot systems and (in a new chapter) human-robot interaction; and offers a “metaview” of how to design and evaluate autonomous systems and the ethical considerations in doing so. New material covers locomotion, simultaneous localization and mapping, human-robot interaction, machine learning, and ethics. Each chapter includes exercises, and many chapters provide case studies. Endnotes point to additional reading, highlight advanced topics, and offer robot trivia.
Publisher: MIT Press
ISBN: 026203848X
Category : Computers
Languages : en
Pages : 649
Book Description
A comprehensive survey of artificial intelligence algorithms and programming organization for robot systems, combining theoretical rigor and practical applications. This textbook offers a comprehensive survey of artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms and programming organization for robot systems. Readers who master the topics covered will be able to design and evaluate an artificially intelligent robot for applications involving sensing, acting, planning, and learning. A background in AI is not required; the book introduces key AI topics from all AI subdisciplines throughout the book and explains how they contribute to autonomous capabilities. This second edition is a major expansion and reorganization of the first edition, reflecting the dramatic advances made in AI over the past fifteen years. An introductory overview provides a framework for thinking about AI for robotics, distinguishing between the fundamentally different design paradigms of automation and autonomy. The book then discusses the reactive functionality of sensing and acting in AI robotics; introduces the deliberative functions most often associated with intelligence and the capability of autonomous initiative; surveys multi-robot systems and (in a new chapter) human-robot interaction; and offers a “metaview” of how to design and evaluate autonomous systems and the ethical considerations in doing so. New material covers locomotion, simultaneous localization and mapping, human-robot interaction, machine learning, and ethics. Each chapter includes exercises, and many chapters provide case studies. Endnotes point to additional reading, highlight advanced topics, and offer robot trivia.
Foundations of Machine Learning, second edition
Author: Mehryar Mohri
Publisher: MIT Press
ISBN: 0262351366
Category : Computers
Languages : en
Pages : 505
Book Description
A new edition of a graduate-level machine learning textbook that focuses on the analysis and theory of algorithms. This book is a general introduction to machine learning that can serve as a textbook for graduate students and a reference for researchers. It covers fundamental modern topics in machine learning while providing the theoretical basis and conceptual tools needed for the discussion and justification of algorithms. It also describes several key aspects of the application of these algorithms. The authors aim to present novel theoretical tools and concepts while giving concise proofs even for relatively advanced topics. Foundations of Machine Learning is unique in its focus on the analysis and theory of algorithms. The first four chapters lay the theoretical foundation for what follows; subsequent chapters are mostly self-contained. Topics covered include the Probably Approximately Correct (PAC) learning framework; generalization bounds based on Rademacher complexity and VC-dimension; Support Vector Machines (SVMs); kernel methods; boosting; on-line learning; multi-class classification; ranking; regression; algorithmic stability; dimensionality reduction; learning automata and languages; and reinforcement learning. Each chapter ends with a set of exercises. Appendixes provide additional material including concise probability review. This second edition offers three new chapters, on model selection, maximum entropy models, and conditional entropy models. New material in the appendixes includes a major section on Fenchel duality, expanded coverage of concentration inequalities, and an entirely new entry on information theory. More than half of the exercises are new to this edition.
Publisher: MIT Press
ISBN: 0262351366
Category : Computers
Languages : en
Pages : 505
Book Description
A new edition of a graduate-level machine learning textbook that focuses on the analysis and theory of algorithms. This book is a general introduction to machine learning that can serve as a textbook for graduate students and a reference for researchers. It covers fundamental modern topics in machine learning while providing the theoretical basis and conceptual tools needed for the discussion and justification of algorithms. It also describes several key aspects of the application of these algorithms. The authors aim to present novel theoretical tools and concepts while giving concise proofs even for relatively advanced topics. Foundations of Machine Learning is unique in its focus on the analysis and theory of algorithms. The first four chapters lay the theoretical foundation for what follows; subsequent chapters are mostly self-contained. Topics covered include the Probably Approximately Correct (PAC) learning framework; generalization bounds based on Rademacher complexity and VC-dimension; Support Vector Machines (SVMs); kernel methods; boosting; on-line learning; multi-class classification; ranking; regression; algorithmic stability; dimensionality reduction; learning automata and languages; and reinforcement learning. Each chapter ends with a set of exercises. Appendixes provide additional material including concise probability review. This second edition offers three new chapters, on model selection, maximum entropy models, and conditional entropy models. New material in the appendixes includes a major section on Fenchel duality, expanded coverage of concentration inequalities, and an entirely new entry on information theory. More than half of the exercises are new to this edition.
Artificial Intelligence Basics
Author: Tom Taulli
Publisher: Apress
ISBN: 1484250281
Category : Computers
Languages : en
Pages : 195
Book Description
Artificial intelligence touches nearly every part of your day. While you may initially assume that technology such as smart speakers and digital assistants are the extent of it, AI has in fact rapidly become a general-purpose technology, reverberating across industries including transportation, healthcare, financial services, and many more. In our modern era, an understanding of AI and its possibilities for your organization is essential for growth and success. Artificial Intelligence Basics has arrived to equip you with a fundamental, timely grasp of AI and its impact. Author Tom Taulli provides an engaging, non-technical introduction to important concepts such as machine learning, deep learning, natural language processing (NLP), robotics, and more. In addition to guiding you through real-world case studies and practical implementation steps, Taulli uses his expertise to expand on the bigger questions that surround AI. These include societal trends, ethics, and future impact AI will have on world governments, company structures, and daily life. Google, Amazon, Facebook, and similar tech giants are far from the only organizations on which artificial intelligence has had—and will continue to have—an incredibly significant result. AI is the present and the future of your business as well as your home life. Strengthening your prowess on the subject will prove invaluable to your preparation for the future of tech, and Artificial Intelligence Basics is the indispensable guide that you’ve been seeking. What You Will Learn Study the core principles for AI approaches such as machine learning, deep learning, and NLP (Natural Language Processing)Discover the best practices to successfully implement AI by examining case studies including Uber, Facebook, Waymo, UiPath, and Stitch FixUnderstand how AI capabilities for robots can improve businessDeploy chatbots and Robotic Processing Automation (RPA) to save costs and improve customer serviceAvoid costly gotchasRecognize ethical concerns and other risk factors of using artificial intelligenceExamine the secular trends and how they may impact your business Who This Book Is For Readers without a technical background, such as managers, looking to understand AI to evaluate solutions.
Publisher: Apress
ISBN: 1484250281
Category : Computers
Languages : en
Pages : 195
Book Description
Artificial intelligence touches nearly every part of your day. While you may initially assume that technology such as smart speakers and digital assistants are the extent of it, AI has in fact rapidly become a general-purpose technology, reverberating across industries including transportation, healthcare, financial services, and many more. In our modern era, an understanding of AI and its possibilities for your organization is essential for growth and success. Artificial Intelligence Basics has arrived to equip you with a fundamental, timely grasp of AI and its impact. Author Tom Taulli provides an engaging, non-technical introduction to important concepts such as machine learning, deep learning, natural language processing (NLP), robotics, and more. In addition to guiding you through real-world case studies and practical implementation steps, Taulli uses his expertise to expand on the bigger questions that surround AI. These include societal trends, ethics, and future impact AI will have on world governments, company structures, and daily life. Google, Amazon, Facebook, and similar tech giants are far from the only organizations on which artificial intelligence has had—and will continue to have—an incredibly significant result. AI is the present and the future of your business as well as your home life. Strengthening your prowess on the subject will prove invaluable to your preparation for the future of tech, and Artificial Intelligence Basics is the indispensable guide that you’ve been seeking. What You Will Learn Study the core principles for AI approaches such as machine learning, deep learning, and NLP (Natural Language Processing)Discover the best practices to successfully implement AI by examining case studies including Uber, Facebook, Waymo, UiPath, and Stitch FixUnderstand how AI capabilities for robots can improve businessDeploy chatbots and Robotic Processing Automation (RPA) to save costs and improve customer serviceAvoid costly gotchasRecognize ethical concerns and other risk factors of using artificial intelligenceExamine the secular trends and how they may impact your business Who This Book Is For Readers without a technical background, such as managers, looking to understand AI to evaluate solutions.
Contemporary Artificial Intelligence
Author: Richard E. Neapolitan
Publisher: CRC Press
ISBN: 1439844690
Category : Computers
Languages : en
Pages : 517
Book Description
The notion of artificial intelligence (AI) often sparks thoughts of characters from science fiction, such as the Terminator and HAL 9000. While these two artificial entities do not exist, the algorithms of AI have been able to address many real issues, from performing medical diagnoses to navigating difficult terrain to monitoring possible failures of spacecrafts. Exploring these algorithms and applications, Contemporary Artificial Intelligence presents strong AI methods and algorithms for solving challenging problems involving systems that behave intelligently in specialized domains such as medical and software diagnostics, financial decision making, speech and text recognition, genetic analysis, and more. One of the first AI texts accessible to students, the book focuses on the most useful problem-solving strategies that have emerged from AI. In a student-friendly way, the authors cover logic-based methods; probability-based methods; emergent intelligence, including evolutionary computation and swarm intelligence; data-derived logical and probabilistic learning models; and natural language understanding. Through reading this book, students discover the importance of AI techniques in computer science.
Publisher: CRC Press
ISBN: 1439844690
Category : Computers
Languages : en
Pages : 517
Book Description
The notion of artificial intelligence (AI) often sparks thoughts of characters from science fiction, such as the Terminator and HAL 9000. While these two artificial entities do not exist, the algorithms of AI have been able to address many real issues, from performing medical diagnoses to navigating difficult terrain to monitoring possible failures of spacecrafts. Exploring these algorithms and applications, Contemporary Artificial Intelligence presents strong AI methods and algorithms for solving challenging problems involving systems that behave intelligently in specialized domains such as medical and software diagnostics, financial decision making, speech and text recognition, genetic analysis, and more. One of the first AI texts accessible to students, the book focuses on the most useful problem-solving strategies that have emerged from AI. In a student-friendly way, the authors cover logic-based methods; probability-based methods; emergent intelligence, including evolutionary computation and swarm intelligence; data-derived logical and probabilistic learning models; and natural language understanding. Through reading this book, students discover the importance of AI techniques in computer science.
Artificial Intelligence in the 21st Century
Author: Stephen Lucci
Publisher: Mercury Learning and Information
ISBN: 1944534539
Category : Computers
Languages : en
Pages : 1168
Book Description
This new edition provides a comprehensive, colorful, up-to-date, and accessible presentation of AI without sacrificing theoretical foundations. It includes numerous examples, applications, full color images, and human interest boxes to enhance student interest. New chapters on robotics and machine learning are now included. Advanced topics cover neural nets, genetic algorithms, natural language processing, planning, and complex board games. A companion DVD is provided with resources, applications, and figures from the book. Numerous instructors’ resources are available upon adoption. eBook Customers: Companion files are available for downloading with order number/proof of purchase by writing to the publisher at [email protected]. FEATURES: • Includes new chapters on robotics and machine learning and new sections on speech understanding and metaphor in NLP • Provides a comprehensive, colorful, up to date, and accessible presentation of AI without sacrificing theoretical foundations • Uses numerous examples, applications, full color images, and human interest boxes to enhance student interest • Introduces important AI concepts e.g., robotics, use in video games, neural nets, machine learning, and more thorough practical applications • Features over 300 figures and color images with worked problems detailing AI methods and solutions to selected exercises • Includes DVD with resources, simulations, and figures from the book • Provides numerous instructors’ resources, including: solutions to exercises, Microsoft PP slides, etc.
Publisher: Mercury Learning and Information
ISBN: 1944534539
Category : Computers
Languages : en
Pages : 1168
Book Description
This new edition provides a comprehensive, colorful, up-to-date, and accessible presentation of AI without sacrificing theoretical foundations. It includes numerous examples, applications, full color images, and human interest boxes to enhance student interest. New chapters on robotics and machine learning are now included. Advanced topics cover neural nets, genetic algorithms, natural language processing, planning, and complex board games. A companion DVD is provided with resources, applications, and figures from the book. Numerous instructors’ resources are available upon adoption. eBook Customers: Companion files are available for downloading with order number/proof of purchase by writing to the publisher at [email protected]. FEATURES: • Includes new chapters on robotics and machine learning and new sections on speech understanding and metaphor in NLP • Provides a comprehensive, colorful, up to date, and accessible presentation of AI without sacrificing theoretical foundations • Uses numerous examples, applications, full color images, and human interest boxes to enhance student interest • Introduces important AI concepts e.g., robotics, use in video games, neural nets, machine learning, and more thorough practical applications • Features over 300 figures and color images with worked problems detailing AI methods and solutions to selected exercises • Includes DVD with resources, simulations, and figures from the book • Provides numerous instructors’ resources, including: solutions to exercises, Microsoft PP slides, etc.
Artificial Intelligence
Author: Margaret A. Boden
Publisher: Oxford University Press
ISBN: 0191080071
Category : Computers
Languages : en
Pages : 191
Book Description
The applications of Artificial Intelligence lie all around us; in our homes, schools and offices, in our cinemas, in art galleries and - not least - on the Internet. The results of Artificial Intelligence have been invaluable to biologists, psychologists, and linguists in helping to understand the processes of memory, learning, and language from a fresh angle. As a concept, Artificial Intelligence has fuelled and sharpened the philosophical debates concerning the nature of the mind, intelligence, and the uniqueness of human beings. In this Very Short Introduction , Margaret A. Boden reviews the philosophical and technological challenges raised by Artificial Intelligence, considering whether programs could ever be really intelligent, creative or even conscious, and shows how the pursuit of Artificial Intelligence has helped us to appreciate how human and animal minds are possible. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.
Publisher: Oxford University Press
ISBN: 0191080071
Category : Computers
Languages : en
Pages : 191
Book Description
The applications of Artificial Intelligence lie all around us; in our homes, schools and offices, in our cinemas, in art galleries and - not least - on the Internet. The results of Artificial Intelligence have been invaluable to biologists, psychologists, and linguists in helping to understand the processes of memory, learning, and language from a fresh angle. As a concept, Artificial Intelligence has fuelled and sharpened the philosophical debates concerning the nature of the mind, intelligence, and the uniqueness of human beings. In this Very Short Introduction , Margaret A. Boden reviews the philosophical and technological challenges raised by Artificial Intelligence, considering whether programs could ever be really intelligent, creative or even conscious, and shows how the pursuit of Artificial Intelligence has helped us to appreciate how human and animal minds are possible. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.