Cultural-Historical Perspectives on Collective Intelligence

In the era of digital communication, collective problem solving is increasingly important. Large groups can now resolve issues together in completely different ways, which has transformed the arts, sciences, business, education, technology, and medicine. Collective intelligence is something we share with animals and is different from machine learning and artificial intelligence. To design and utilize human collective intelligence, we must understand how its problem-solving mechanisms work. From democracy in ancient Athens, through the invention of the printing press, to COVID-19, this book analyzes how humans developed the ability to find solutions together. This wide-ranging, thought-provoking book is a game-changer for those working strategically with collective problem solving within organizations and using a variety of innovative methods. It sheds light on how humans work effectively alongside machines to confront the most urgent challenges ever faced by humanity. This title is also available as Open Access on Cambridge Core.

Rolf K. Baltzersen is Professor in the Faculty of Education at Østfold University College, Norway. His research interests include collective intelligence, communication, metacognition, educational technology, and teaching.