Creating Internet Intelligence - Wild Computing and the Emerging

In this review of Creating Internet Intelligence the author explores a provocative hypothesis: the global web and communication networks could evolve into an autonomous intelligent system. This book is for readers who want a wide-ranging, systems-level treatment of artificial intelligence that ties theory to practical engineering efforts. The single biggest reason to read it is its combination of a general theory of intelligence with concrete descriptions of software projects aimed at seeding networked intelligence, making it valuable both as a philosophical statement and as a technical roadmap.

Key Features

• Interdisciplinary theory: Presents a general theory of intelligent systems that connects computer science, psychology, and systems thinking so readers can see how diverse disciplines inform Internet intelligence.
• Practical engineering review: Reviews the author's and his team's software work, including the Webmind AI Engine, providing concrete examples of attempts to seed networked intelligence.
• Social and ethical context: Frames the notion of Internet intelligence in commercial, social, and theological terms so readers can assess broader impacts beyond algorithms.
• Strategic recommendations: Offers specific suggestions for engineers and scientists about steps they can take today to shape emergent global cognitive systems.
• Theoretical depth: Explains cognitive and semantic concepts in a way that supports subsequent technical or philosophical exploration by specialists.

Who It's For

This book is best suited to advanced students, researchers, and engineers working in AI, multi-agent systems, and networked architectures who want a broad, systems-level perspective and concrete examples of early engineering attempts. It will also interest philosophers of mind and social theorists curious about technological trajectories.

Readers seeking a short primer or a hands-on programming manual should look elsewhere; this is neither a textbook for beginners nor a step-by-step coding guide but rather a rigorous, interdisciplinary treatise that expects some familiarity with AI concepts.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Combines a coherent general theory of intelligent systems with practical reports of software efforts, bridging idea and implementation.
• Addresses the social and ethical dimensions of emergent networked intelligence, encouraging thoughtful engagement with consequences.
• Provides clear recommendations for engineers on how to encourage and shape Internet-level intelligence, useful as a strategic roadmap.

Cons

• The material is dense and interdisciplinary, so readers without prior exposure to AI or systems science may find sections challenging.

Specifications

Title	Creating Internet Intelligence: Wild Computing, Distributed Digital Consciousness, and the Emerging Global Brain
Author / Brand	Ben Goertzel
Scope	Interdisciplinary theory plus engineering review
Includes	Discussion of Webmind AI Engine and related software work
Coverage	Commercial, social, psychological, computer-science, philosophical, theological aspects
Intended audience	Researchers, engineers, philosophers of mind

Our Verdict

Creating Internet Intelligence is a thought-provoking, substantive work that will reward readers seeking an integrated view of how networks might become cognitive systems. Its blend of theory, engineering case studies, and ethical framing makes it a unique resource for specialists who want guidance on both the ideas and practical steps involved in nurturing emergent network intelligence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this book include practical software descriptions?
Yes. It reviews software engineering work carried out by the author and his team, including the Webmind AI Engine, and discusses practical efforts to seed Internet intelligence.

Is this suitable for beginners?
Not ideal for beginners; it assumes familiarity with AI concepts and systems thinking and is aimed at researchers and engineers.

Does the book address social and ethical issues?
Yes. It explicitly frames Internet intelligence in commercial, social, psychological, philosophical, and theological contexts.