Is Intelligence an Algorithm?

Is Intelligence an Algorithm?

Discover Nature’s algorithm of Intelligence to learn problem-solving from intuition to artificial intelligence.


How do we understand the world around us? How do we solve problems? Often the answer to these questions follows a certain pattern, an algorithm if you wish. This is the case when our analytical left-brain side is at work. However, there are also elements in our behaviour where intelligence appears to follow a more elusive path, which cannot easily be characterised as a specific sequence of steps.

Is Intelligence an Algorithm? offers an insight into intelligence as it functions in nature, like human or animal intelligence, but also sheds light on modern developments in the field of artificial intelligence, proposing further architectural solutions for the creation of a so-called global Webmind.


As a metaphysical artist, I found this book very stimulating. Mediating a middle path between metaphysics and A.I. so the each informs the other is a skillful trick to pull off. This author does it exceedingly well. I found validation for long held principles, new approaches to familiar ideas as well as entirely novel and lucid offerings. This book arrives at a time when boundaries between of materialist science, metaphysics and A.I. are merging into each other largely due to the advent of the internet, itself a macroscopic nervous system – also a notion explored in the book. Applying the language of A.I. to the topic of Consciousness is appropriate for the age we live in and this book does it very well. Guaranteed to generate a state change at a time when a new paradigm in our understanding of Consciousness is dawning. This book helped me to achieve clarity - science is for how, metaphysics is for why, and we need to ask both. ~ Alan McDonald, NetGally

I began this book expecting it to be an analysis of how intelligence was an algorithm. But don't let the title fool you. This book is sooo much more! It's actually an exploration of intelligence itself and all things related. Not only what it is. And how how it relates to our own emotions, reasoning, intuition, and the hard problem of consciousness itself. But also how we can utilize our own intelligence in the most optimal fashion (with profound strategies given in a clear and readable way). As well as an exciting exploration of the future of intelligence as it relates to artificial intelligence and artificial consciousness. So, I fully recommend this as a great read to anyone interested in the fields of intelligence, artificial intelligence, consciousness, futurism, and/or transhumanism. And it's worth a read based on its novel breakdown of the 'webmind' alone as well as the fact that it is full of such incredibly useful ideas as 'e-prime language'. Which I will be eternally thankful to this book for introducing me to. ~ Jonathan Jones, NetGalley

As a researcher in data science and management area, for me reading Tuynman’s ‘ Is intelligence an Algorithm’ was a refreshing break from other books in similar domain which are usually dominated by mathematics or computer science . In contrast with them, Tuynman provides a holistic perspective backed by solid research, on various dimensions of intelligence and how nature, humans and now computers take an algorithmic approach to solve any old or new problems. Illustrated in lucid manner, there are multiple practical techniques and heuristics explained in the book which can be directly applied in our day to day lives. Among them a structured template for writing informative articles is something which I have already started to apply in my own works. It was interesting that author did gave enough stress on Emotional intelligence, as this is something which is usually not explained in detail in other books of this domain, but is important factor in almost all the decision making process of conscious beings . Authors take on Artificial Pathologies or computers gone wild as I like to call them, was interesting and amusing and touched the realm of science fiction, though it is getting very much real possibility day by day. The book does touches upon non-algorithmic activities like Intuition too, connecting it with topics like quantum mechanics and collective consciousness, but I think they could have been discussed in more detail given the complexity of those ideas. Overall I would recommend this book to all the readers who are interested in topics like consciousness , and how do we make sense of what is around us , and also want to explore the various aspects of problem solving skills in a structured format , either by humans or machines . ~ Abhishek S, NetGalley

I’m a big fan of Antonin Tuynman's writing. I particularly like his willingness to marry far-future technology with ancient religious and philosophical thought, such as Vedanta. He is also one of the most adept futurists in exploring fringe concepts and ideas, from quantum computers to the Singularity and the Simulation hypothesis. His latest work caught me by surprise. Initially, I was a little disappointed that some of the cool tech concepts toned down. But, the payoff for me was that this is Antonin's most accessible work. It's not just accessible, it's practical. Instead of just discussing algorithms and intelligence, he gives you advice on how to use the information, including how these algorithms can improve your own reasoning abilities and memory skills. The book is also a primer if you're interested -- or worried about -- the coming wave of AI-driven technologies. Later, he does discuss the wider implications of his findings. All said, it's a must read for those thinking hard about the ever-increasing effect that intelligence and artificial intelligence will have on our lives and our future. ~ Matt Swayne, NetGalley

A WOW book by the digital philosopher Antonin Tuynman! Written for the lay audience in a clear and precise language, oftentimes in a matter-of-fact fashion. Thought-provoking, original and delightfully enlightening! It's one of those books that one can find insights on every page. In this book, Tuynman tries to define intelligence through the lens of digital philosophy, presents his well-grounded hypothesis that intelligence functions as a kind of algorithm, and gives us practical advice how to improve our own intelligence and problem-solving skills. In the last few chapters, that I personally find the most fascinating part of the book, the author goes more technical with clear-cut recommendations how to create artificial consciousness. Inspired by works of other prominent thinkers in the field, the author argues that emergence is the key to evolution towards higher complexity, and why sooner rather than later, we should see the emergence of self-aware Global Brain, Webmind. Besides being a great read that I could recommend to anyone, the book is referenced, cross-referenced and an excellent quick reference resource by itself. ~ Alexander Vikoulov, NetGalley

I enjoyed reading Tuynman's this new book. Many essential topics for intelligence well-weaved together in a compact volume. Tuynman first goes about laying out what counts as algorithm. Then he draws its ramification for intellience in general, as well as for A.I..He eventually moves on to discuss intuition as the sphere of intelligence not lending itself to an algorithmic construction. For Tuynman intuition reflects a vast entanglement working across collective consciousness of the human species, and as such it functions beyond the realm of algorithm. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to pick up some central issues of intelligence and consciousness and their relevance to A.I.. ~ Jay Kimoooyoung, NetGalley

Antonin Tuynman
Antonin Tuynman Antonin Tuynman studied Chemistry at the University of Amsterdam, achieving both an MSc and a PhD, and worked as a postdoc researcher at the...

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