Intelligence artificielle

The book is widely acclaimed as a monumental and comprehensive work, frequently cited and used in numerous universities globally. Reviewers consistently praise its success in providing a clear, single-volume summary of the entire field of Artificial Intelligence, often being referred to as "the Bible" for computational decision-making. Many find it highly accessible, especially for undergraduates with a computer science or electrical engineering background, requiring minimal mathematical prerequisites. Readers appreciate the authors' effort to keep the content updated, presenting advanced ideas clearly, and including pseudocode and examples that facilitate understanding. The inclusion of extensive historical and biographical notes at the end of each chapter is also highlighted as a valuable feature, along with its engaging and often playful prose. The book is considered an excellent introduction and a solid foundation for those serious about diving into AI, offering a broad survey of topics from traditional search problems to natural language processing and robotics.

Despite its strengths, several reviewers point out significant drawbacks. The book is frequently described as extremely lengthy and dense, with some finding its sheer volume daunting. Specific criticisms include chapters that delve into what is perceived as high school-level probability and statistics, or others that devolve into "pointless mathematical show-boating." The philosophical foundations chapter is singled out by multiple readers as particularly weak, unrigorous, and irrelevant for a university textbook. Some reviewers feel the book, even in its later editions, can be outdated concerning rapidly advancing areas like deep learning, data science, and advanced image processing, focusing more on traditional AI techniques. There are also comments that it can be too superficial for those seeking in-depth knowledge on specific topics, and that it might not offer a profound enough view of AI for readers with prior extensive knowledge, sometimes feeling like an incoherent combination of computer science and statistics.

Overall, this book stands as a highly recommended and indispensable resource for anyone seeking a broad and comprehensive introduction to Artificial Intelligence. It is particularly well-suited for undergraduates, beginners, or those looking to establish a strong foundational understanding of AI principles and techniques. While it provides an excellent survey of the field and serves as a valuable companion to university courses, readers should be aware of its considerable length and potential for some sections to feel less current in fast-evolving areas of AI. It is considered essential reading for those intending to pursue a career in AI or related fields, offering a robust starting point and a rich bibliography for further exploration, rather than an exhaustive or cutting-edge treatment of every specialized topic.