When comparing Rationality: From AI to Zombies vs Concepts, Techniques, and Models of Computer Programming, the Slant community recommends Concepts, Techniques, and Models of Computer Programming for most people. In the question“What are the most influential books every programmer should read?” Concepts, Techniques, and Models of Computer Programming is ranked 16th while Rationality: From AI to Zombies is ranked 22nd. The most important reason people chose Concepts, Techniques, and Models of Computer Programming is:
The models are presented with mathematical rigor.
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Pros
Pro Will make you smarter
Your intelligence is being used to defeat itself. Learn how to stop that.
Pro Mindblowing ideas
From (friendly) AI to (philosophical) zombies. Also Pebblesorters. And why humans are insane.
Pro Fictional interludes
These are quality science fiction short stories in their own right.
Pro Funny
Pro Engaging
Pro Rigorous
The models are presented with mathematical rigor.
Pro Teaches the major paradigms
You could study dozens of languages to learn the techniques, or you could read this book and get them all with Mozart/Oz.
Cons
Con Not enough citations
Just Google it.
Con Has some highly technical references in places
Things like physics (relativity, quantum mechanics), mathematics and computer programming. Scared? Didn't think so.
Con Long
The chapters are relatively short and digestible essays and short stories. The problem: there are 333 of them. On paper, this would take volumes, but this is an ebook. You'll get a lot out of it long before you finish though.