Najaf’s top reads: AI’s legal dilemmas and Saramago’s reimagining of Cain

NAJAF — In a tour of publishers at Al-Huwesh Market and Al-Rawan Street in Najaf, readers this week showed a strong preference for two notable works: “The Last Hour of Human Law” by Arab writer Ihab Abu Zaid and “Cain” by Portuguese author José Saramago.

Abu Zaid’s “The Last Hour of Human Law” raises critical questions about the accelerating developments in artificial intelligence. The book explores pressing issues such as cybercrime, murder, extortion, and deepfakes, emphasizing the lack of legal frameworks to govern AI behavior.

Ali Al-Talal, head of Ahl Al-Bayt Library, told 964media, “The best-selling book, raising fundamental questions about the ability of law to keep pace with the development of artificial intelligence and robotics.”

Published this year, the book spans over 250 pages. The author highlights the absence of laws regulating the behavior of artificial intelligence and robotics, raising questions about the future of humanity amid these rapid technological advancements. The book calls for the development of a new legal framework capable of protecting society from the dangers of artificial intelligence.

Saramago’s “Cain”, translated by Ali Abdul Amir Saleh into Arabic and published by Al-Jamal Publishing, delves into themes of violence, sin, and existence through a reinterpretation of the biblical story of Cain and Abel.

Mohammed Ali, from Al-Thaqalayn Library, told 964media, “’Cain’ by José Saramago is a profound philosophical novel that delves into the depths of human nature. The author explores the motives behind murder, the effects of isolation, and the search for identity. Through Saramago’s poetic language and slow-paced narrative, the book invites readers to reflect on the nature of evil, the possibility of redemption, and the destiny of humanity.”