On balance, will AI help humanity or harm it? Proponents of the new technology say AI could revolutionize science, medicine, and technology, and deliver us a world of abundance and better health. Opponents say it could be a disaster, leading to the downfall of democracy, or even our extinction.

Gary Marcus occupies a position that includes parts of both propositions. He is a noted psychologist, cognitive scientist, businessman, and AI researcher who believes “Big Tech” is taking advantage of us, AI is making it worse, and there’s still a way we can create a thriving, AI-positive world.

He says we still have a choice about what future we have. He lays out his arguments in his new book Taming Silicon Valley: How We Can Ensure That AI Works for Us, and he’ll draw on the ideas raised in the book when he joins us at the Club.

Marcus says Big Tech has effectively captured policymakers and has been playing both the public and the government. Why has the U.S. government thus far been ineffective at reining in Big Tech? What are some suggestions for what a coherent AI policy should like? How can ordinary citizens push for what is so desperately needed?

Part Abbie Hoffman’s Steal This Book and part Thomas Paine’s Common Sense, Marcus’ outlook is tuned to this perilous historical moment.