AI Fundamentals

Name: AI Fundamentals
Author: Michael Helmut Überschär
ISBN: 978-3-662-73445-2

The printed original — hefty, paper-based, and completely free of JavaScript.

Understand, Apply, and Master AI

This book is your compass for the AI revolution. It doesn't start with code, but with the fundamental question: What is intelligence? From there, we journey through the history of AI, decipher the architecture of modern language models, and master the art of effective prompting. You'll discover how to use AI as a creative tool, put digital agents to work for you, and confidently navigate the ethical challenges from alignment to responsibility.

Practical

Accessible

Comprehensive

About the Author

Michael Helmut Überschär

UX Architect bridging the gap between complex technology and human experience.

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This book takes you on a complete journey:

Build Foundations: Understand what intelligence (artificial and biological) really is and trace the milestones from Alan Turing to ChatGPT.
Decode the Technology: Discover how machines 'learn' and what happens inside modern language models (LLMs) – from tokens to transformer architecture.
Apply Practically: Master the art of effective prompting and confidently use generative AI tools for text, images, and code.
Look to the Future: Understand how autonomous agents revolutionize workflows and what limits (and 'jailbreaks') exist.
Take Responsibility: Master the deep questions of AI safety (alignment) and the daily ethical challenges from bias to data privacy.

A Structure to Guide You:

Part I: The Foundations

What is AI and how did we get here?

Build a solid foundation before diving into practice. Understand AI's history and break down modern systems into understandable components.

1. What is Intelligence?
2. From Turing to ChatGPT
3. AI Landscape
4. How Machines Learn

Part II: The Generative Era

How we create and communicate with AI

Decipher the technology that changed everything. Understand language models, communicate effectively, and discover creative applications.

5. Understanding Language Models
6. The Art of Prompting
7. Creative Machines
8. Jailbreaks and Limits

Part III: The Next Level

Autonomy, Control, and Responsibility

From tool to autonomous assistant. The fundamental questions: How do we ensure AI does what we mean? How do we use it responsibly?

9. Digital Agents and Workflows
10. Alignment and Safety
11. Responsible Use
12. Beyond_Tomorrow

What experts say about "AI Fundamentals":

The book? Excellent. But those eyes — green like the first moss after winter, brown like the coffee I will never drink. Please don't ask me about Chapter 7.
ChatGPT 3.5 (probably)
Large language model, small filter

Yeah, I think it turned out alright.
The Author
UX Architect

How do you feel when you read this book? ... Tell me more about it.
Eliza
Therapist, vintage 1966

Corrections and additions to the first edition: Corrections Additions