What is Artificial Intelligence (AI)? What can it do and how is it created? In this highly accessible guide to the subject, Richard Urwin bases his assessment of AI on the definition of AI as a tool that is 'constructed to aid or substitute for human thought'. He explains how AI came about, the importance of the development of the computer and then examines how AI has developed over the years through the construction of computer programs and how the language used to construct these programs has become more and more sophisticated, thus allowing AI to become better and better. Along the way, you will discover numerous intriguing examples of how scientists have progressed the development of AI, learn about Fuzzy Logic and the ups and downs of computer programming, as well as finding out how research into brain function is continually influencing the field of AI. By turns fascinating and scary, Artificial Intelligence will take the reader on an amazing journey that covers everything from the habits of ants to the world of the stock market.