The Atomic Human

Understanding Ourselves in the Age of AI

By: Neil D. Lawrence

Write A Review

Paperback | 9 September 2025 | Edition Number 1

At a Glance

Format
Paperback

Dimensions(cm)
19.7 x 13.4 x 2.8

Paperback

RRP $24.99

$23.75

or 4 interest-free payments of $5.94 with

Ships in 3 to 5 business days

'An utterly absorbing account of humans, computers, and how much they differ' Dame Diane Coyle, author of Cogs and Monsters

What does Artificial Intelligence mean for our identity? Our fascination with AI stems from the perceived uniqueness of human intelligence. We believe it''s what differentiates us. Fears of AI not only concern how it invades our digital lives, but also the implied threat of an intelligence that displaces us from our position at the centre of the world.

Neil D. Lawrence''s visionary book shows why these fears may be misplaced. Atomism, proposed by Democritus, suggested it was impossible to continue dividing matter down into ever smaller components: eventually we reach a point where a cut cannot be made (the Greek for uncuttable is ''atom''). In the same way, by slicing away at the facets of human intelligence that can be replaced by machines, AI uncovers what is left: an indivisible core that is the essence of humanity.

Human intelligence has evolved across hundreds of thousands of years. Due to our physical and cognitive constraints over that time, it is social and highly embodied. By contrasting our capabilities with machine intelligence, The Atomic Human reveals the technical origins, capabilities and limitations of AI systems, and how they should be wielded. Not just by the experts, but ordinary people. Understanding this will enable readers to choose the future we want - either one where AI is a tool for us, or where we become a tool of AI - and how to counteract the digital oligarchy to maintain the fabric of an open, fair and democratic society.

Shipping

	Standard Shipping	Express Shipping
Metro postcodes:	$9.99	$14.95
Regional postcodes:	$9.99	$14.95
Rural postcodes:	$9.99	$14.95

Orders over $0.00 qualify for free shipping.

How to return your order

At Booktopia, we offer hassle-free returns in accordance with our returns policy. If you wish to return an item, please get in touch with Booktopia Customer Care.

Additional postage charges may be applicable.