“Bacteria to AI will change the terms of the debate on the cognitive capacities of contemporary AI and their place in human lifeworlds. Following from the groundbreaking critical insights of Unthought, Hayles traces her integrated cognitive framework into the age of generative AI. From the bacteria-inspired techniques of gene editing to the text generation of GPT-3, Hayles brings her unique and astute voice to some of the most urgent questions of our times. Bacteria to AI is a must-read.”

Louise Amoore, Durham University

“Energized by advances in AI, biotechnology, and semiotics, Hayles offers fresh interpretations of established theoretical paradigms from disciplines as diverse as cybernetics and new materialism to ecocriticism and literary studies. With the fearlessness of thought demanded by this unprecedented moment, Bacteria to AI provides incisive accounts of today’s most pressing technoscientific horizons—highlighting opportunities for collective meaning making.”

Avery Slater, University of Toronto

“A brilliant reimagining of what it means to think—and even to be human—at a time when all around us, we can see the lines between the artificial, the natural, and the informational beginning to dissolve.”

Fred Turner, Stanford University