The book has been written by a team of leading Soviet authorities in the field of cybernetics, among them Academicians O. Belotserkovsky, V . Glushkov, B. Petrov, A. Kolmogorov, E. Velikhov. Approaching the subject from various points of view, the contributors examine the key problems of cybernetics, both theoretical and applied. In doing so, they draw upon a wide range of disciplines related to cybernetics in one way or another. Ample space is devoted to the economic aspects of informational technology, man-machine systems and interactions, and the prospects for cybernetics in the future, notably the creation of the artificial intellect novel for computers, and advanced robots. All this and more comes first-hand from men in the fore-front of present-day science. The book will undoubtedly be of interest to all those interested in, er concerned with, cybernetics or allied fields.Preface. E-P. Velikhov 7Note from the Compiler. V.D. Pekelis 10From Discussions of Different Years 20Automata and Life. A.N. Kolmogorov 20Cybernetics Today. B.N. Petrov 41Where Is Cybernetics Heading? M-G. Gaaze-Rapoport 54The State of the Art 68Cybernetics and Practice. O.M. Belotserkovsky 68Ways of Developing Automation. I.A. Apokin 79The Emergence of Computer Networks. E.A. Yakubaitis 95 The Robots in Present-Day Industry. I-M. Makarov 99Artificial Intelligence: Pros and Cons 110New Approach to Computer Application. G.S. PospelovWhy Artificial Intelligence? M.M. Botvinnik 119Occupation and Problem Oriented Intelligent Systems. B.A. Pospelov 120Why Artificial Intelligence Is Impossible. A.F. Brushlinsky 123 Relative Capabilities of Natural and Artificial Intelligence. V.S. Tyukhtin 126On the Capabilities of Artificial Intelligence. B.V. Biryukov 131On Some Control Problems 138Semiotic Models in Control Systems. D.A. Pospelov 138 Systems Analysis and Artificial Intelligence for Planning and Management. G.S. Pospelov 160A New Branch of the Economy: Information Handling Indus­try. V.M. Glushkov and Yu. M. Kanygin 172The Fine Arts and Cybernetics 182Cybernetics and Culture. B.V. Biryukov and S.N. Plotnikov 182 Modelling in Music. R.Kh. Zaripov 210Polemics and Its By-Products: About the "Machine Creative­ ness" Controversy. I. Grekova 228From a New Angle 253Man-Machine Interaction. G.L. Smolyan 253Man and Machine: The Limits to Computer Application.V.M. Glushkov and Yu. M. Kanygin 266Social Applications of Cybernetics. V.D. Pekelis 276Foreseeing the Future 291The Formula of a Collective Genius. V.D. Pekelis 291 How to Create an Artificial Brain. F.G. Staros 310 How to Create an Optical Brain. V.M. Zakharchenko and G.V. Skrotsky 318The Cybernetic Double. I.M. Rosokhovatsky rand A.A. Stogny 328 Extraterrestrial Civilizations and Artificial Intelligence. I. S . Shklovsky 333Cybernetics and the Computer: Some Predictions. V.D. Pekelis 355 About the Authors 363