Announcing ‘Intelligence: AI and Humanity’

Key Takeaways

• Series bridges AI tech with humanities perspectives.
• First three titles explore intelligence, race, textual future.
• Bloomsbury plans 3‑5 books yearly, accepting proposals.
• Authors from philosophy, economics, law, arts invited.
• Series events and podcasts will amplify AI discourse.

Summary

Bloomsbury Academic is launching a new book series, *Intelligence: AI and Humanity*, with Jeff Jarvis as series editor. The non‑technical collection will examine AI’s cultural, ethical, and societal implications rather than its engineering. The inaugural titles feature Dr. Rumman Chowdhury on the nature of intelligence, Dr. Charlton McIlwain on AI’s potential to redress racial tech inequities, and Dr. Matthew Kirschenbaum warning of a looming "Textpocalypse." Bloomsbury plans to publish three to five titles annually and invites proposals from a broad range of scholars.

Pulse Analysis

The launch of *Intelligence: AI and Humanity* reflects a growing recognition that artificial intelligence is not merely a technical challenge but a cultural one. While most AI literature focuses on algorithms, data, and performance metrics, this series invites scholars from philosophy, anthropology, law, and the arts to interrogate how machine intelligence reshapes concepts of creativity, authority, and human identity. By positioning AI as a mirror for society, the books aim to broaden the conversation beyond engineers, offering policymakers and business leaders nuanced perspectives on risk, bias, and ethical governance.

Bloomsbury’s strategy to publish three to five titles each year underscores the commercial appetite for interdisciplinary AI content. The initial trio—Chowdhury’s inquiry into the definition of intelligence, McIlwain’s exploration of AI as a tool for racial equity, and Kirschenbaum’s warning about a "Textpocalypse"—covers a spectrum from foundational theory to concrete social impact. This diversified portfolio appeals to both academic libraries and trade readers, creating multiple revenue streams while establishing the series as a go‑to source for thought leadership on AI’s societal ramifications.

Beyond the books, Bloomsbury plans a series of events, podcasts, and outreach initiatives to amplify the dialogue. By leveraging Jarvis’s existing AI podcasts and partnering with scholars worldwide, the series will generate sustained media coverage and community engagement. This multi‑channel approach not only drives book sales but also positions Bloomsbury as a catalyst for interdisciplinary research, influencing curriculum development, corporate training, and public policy as AI continues to permeate everyday life.