THE HUMAN USE OF HUMAN BEINGS

by Norbert Weiner ‧ RELEASE DATE: Aug. 21, 1950

Dr. Weiner's earlier book entitled caused a mild flurry of excitement, but proved too mathematical and scientific for the average layman. Now comes this book- by a trade publisher -- addressed to the layman. ""Cybernetics"" means communication and control in the man and the machine. The author is himself a scientist who has done so much to develop ""thinking machines"" in his M.I.T. laboratory. He is fearful that man may create a Frankenstein. His book is full of warnings and carries a challenge to man to learn to use man for the benefit of mankind. A profound book and a difficult one for the unscientific minded reader to comprehend fully, but the sense of dignity and the idealism, added to the fund of information on the communicative nature of man gives one enough to start one thinking along the lines he indicates. He discusses the application to law, machines (the electronic brain), government, the church, industry, science (and the scientist's place in modern political and social life) and the threat of totalitarianism in church and politics. Communication means power. What can we do with it?

Pub Date: Aug. 21, 1950

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Houghton, Mifflin

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 1950

Categories: NONFICTION