AI on the Crossroads – A Turning Point for MankindArtificial intelligence has moved beyond labs and science fiction into medicine, finance, education, warfare, and everyday life. It is reshaping what it means to work, create, and even to be human.This book traces the evolution of AI from early visions and symbolic reasoning to machine learning, deep learning, and today’s generative models. It explains the mathematics behind algorithms in clear language, while recounting milestones such as Deep Blue, AlphaGo, GPT, and DALL·E that redefined public perception of machines.Yet AI on the Crossroads is not only about technology. It confronts the ethical dilemmas and societal consequences of automation: bias, surveillance, inequality, and the risks of autonomous weapons. At the same time, it highlights opportunities for human–AI collaboration in healthcare, science, and creativity.Accessible to students, professionals, and policymakers, this book combines technical insight with critical reflection. At this turning point, the question is not whether AI will transform our future, but how we will guide its impact.