Rating: 
Summary: GREAT FICTION
Review: This book is great. I have a problem with the use of an actual "truth machine" though.
I have learned to trust my loved ones whether they lie or tell the truth. In a world
where most people lie to keep other peoples feelings from being hurt a truth machine
could destroy the structure of society and trust. Once this machine was given to the
public, people would only see the solid facts and not the emotion behind things that we
say. Great fiction. Devastating truth.
Rating: 
Summary: Great premise, poor execution
Review: I don't get it. Is it true that a book written like a high school creative writing project can get such
great reviews, based only on its thought-provoking premise? It seems so. Yes, the Truth Machine is
a great idea. Yes, it would change the world, perhaps even more than Mr. Halperin postulates. But,
this work of "speculative fiction" falls a bit short of impressive on the storytelling front. The
characters are one-dimensional, the plot contrived and predictable, and the dialogue wooden. As a
premise for a story, it's great: recommended. As a story: read Heinlein. You won't be disappointed.
Rating:
Summary: Great premise, poor execution
Review: I don't get it. Is it true that a book written like a high school creative writing project can get such great reviews,
based only on its thought-provoking premise? It seems so.
Yes, the Truth Machine is a great idea. Yes, it would change
the world, perhaps even more than Mr. Halperin postulates.
But, this work of "speculative fiction" falls a bit short of
impressive on the storytelling front. The characters are
one-dimensional, the plot contrived and predictable, and the
dialogue wooden.
As a premise for a story, it's great: recommended.
As a story: read Heinlein. You won't be disappointed.
Rating:
Summary: At last, a novel that gives us hope for the future
Review: I've been an avid reader my entire life (since about two). I loved this book. At last, a
speculative story that gives us some hope for the future, demonstrating how we might
"get there from here." I liked it so much that I gave copies as Christmas presents to all
my closest friends.
Rating:
Summary: I thoroughly enjoyed The Truth Machine
Review: One cannot dispute The Truth Machine's introductory quote concerning the
observation of the future without affect. In my opinion, this is the very premise of the
book; and the premise of all sciences today. Regardless of today's technological
capacities and psycho- epistemological paradigms, I necessarily believe the invention
of a device such as an ACIP is a very real possibility. Very real indeed. If one views
how our technological abilities have grown in quantum leaps over, say, the past 10
years, and one were to chart a point in the future based on the same parabolic curve,
this fact becomes more than obvious. Roughly 25 years ago a multi-function
mathematic calculator retailed for almost $300 - now, they're given away in boxes of
Corn Flakes. Roughly 10 years ago the fastest trans-Atlantic data-communications
circuit a business could lease was rated at 19,200 bits per second - now, not only is it
difficult to lease one [that] slow, but 1.54 million bits per second is the norm. Roughly
5 years ago a voice mail system retailed around $20,000 - now, you get one when
you purchase a modem..., for less than $300. In a broader sense, I believe that it's
not solely technology that pushes us forward in leaps and bounds, but more, that it's
the individual's disenchantment with the world around him (or her) which causes one
to think about positive change; which leads to new ideas and ideals, which leads to
inventions and innovations, which ultimately leads to progress - accepted or not. I
don't believe there exists one valid argument that would ultimately prevent the
invention of a "Truth Machine." I do, however, believe this would be met with such
opposition that - given the world's status-quo in all areas of existence - it might not
ever be given a chance. After all, most of our paradigmatic minds believe there exists
'some' truth in 'all' lies - or some 'lie' in 'all' truth - and, that our right to lie effects no
one but ourselves. Truth isn't any more subjective than the axiom 'existence exists.' To
the individual who disagrees, I would like to ask you to hold your breath for 15
minutes..., then tell me that truth is subjective - go ahead..., I'll wait. Just thinking
about the benefits of such a device makes me want to laugh out loud! Imagine
disassembling the machinery of a judicial system which is fueled by criminals and
victims alike; machinery whose motor is kept running by jurists, attorneys and
lobbyists! Imagine no gray areas in law. Imagine no dispute that would go unresolved,
no deception that would go unchallenged, no malpractice - of any form - that would
go unpunished. I am in no sense an expert in psychology, but would I be wrong in
assuming that cases of stress related mental illnesses associated with compulsive lying
would decrease without the ability to exist in the same mode of operation? I digress.
Lastly, I'm surprised at the demographic stats revealed in the phone survey (listed on The Truth Machine's Web site @ www.truthmachine.com)- but not
completely surprised. Upper-age and -income appear to be more inclined to oppose
a Truth Machine's use than others. Now, why might that be..., huh? To J. Halperin, I
add: I thoroughly enjoyed your book, the story, the plot, and the concepts laced
therein..., and hope your next work is just as threatening as your first. Ken Marzorati
Rating: 
Summary: Life with no more (white) lies. Is society doomed???
Review: In James L. Halperin's thought-provoking novel, "The Truth Machine", the author paints an
interesting mosiac of this world's future. The story is centered around 4 students who attend
Harvard in the early 21st century. In a small seminar class, the idea that human society is doomed
without some technological invention is born. One of these students -- Randall Petersen Armstrong --
has the mental capacity to create a machine that can tell with 100% accuracy whether someone is
telling the truth. Once used in government, bussiness, and other setting are world is changed (by the
author's vision) for the better: crime disappears, politicans can be trusted, economic prosperity is
seen for all, etc. The cleverness of the narrative is definitely one of the pluses of this novel. Told as a history of sorts
from the middle of the 21st century by a machine (that is helping a human writer), the narrative
chronicles the creation of the idea of a truth machine; its creation; and the effect that it has on our
society, the world, and its creator. To help the reader out, each chapter starts with the headlines of
the day -- a very nice touch. Ever wondered if margarine is really "healthy"? Or how our
society would deal with the problems de jour? Halperin gives his views on these issues and more.
While I was uncomfortable with some of the events that occurred in this novel, I feel the author
presented his case well. Whether or not you believe that technology can save the world as we
know it, Halperin give the reader plenty to think about; these ideas are also integrated into a well
told narrative that moves as quickly as the reader wants to go.
Rating:
Summary: Life with no more (white) lies. Is society doomed???
Review:
In James L. Halperin's thought-provoking novel, "The Truth
Machine", the author paints an interesting mosiac of this world's
future. The story is centered around 4 students who attend
Harvard in the early 21st century. In a small seminar class,
the idea that human society is doomed without some technological
invenetion is born. One of these students -- Randall
Peter Armstrong -- has the mental capacity to create a machine
that can tell with 100% accuracy whether someone is telling the
truth. Once used in government, bussiness, and other setting are
world is changed (by the author's vision) for the better: crime disappears, politicans can be trusted, economic prosperity
is seen for all, etc.
The cleverness of the narrative is definitely one of the pluses
of this novel. Told as a history of sorts from the middle of
the 21st century by a machine (that is helping a human writer),
the narrative chronicles the creation of the idea of a truth
machine; its creation; and the effect that it has on our society, the world, and its creator. To help the reader out,
each chapter starts with the headlines of the day -- a very nice touch. Ever wondered if margarine is really "healthy"?
Or how our societywould deal with the problems de jour? Halperin gives his views on these issues and more.
While I was uncomfortable with some of the events that occurred
in this novel, I feel the author presented his case
well. Whether or not you believe that technology can save the world
as we know it, Halperin give the reader plenty to think about;
these ideas are also integrated into a well told narrative that moves as quickly as the reader wants to go.
Rating:
Summary: Fascinating
Review: I REALLY like the future predictions at the beginning of
each chapter. It gets my mind thinking, regardless of
whether or not I agree with all of the projections. The
explanations seem scientific. Is there a basis for these, or did the author just invent them? If they are real theories,
where can we (the readers) find more info on all of them?
The story is interesting, fun to read. One
can never guess the finer details. I found it easy to read
and could not put it down once I started.
Rating:
Summary: I enjoyed The Truth Machine a lot.
Review: The book is very entertaining and full of suspense. I'm glad
I decided to read it. It really makes you think about the world
now and how it would be if there was such a machine. Dan Steitz
Rating:
Summary: A must read for people who wonder where technology will go
Review: Truly plausible scenarios given our current rate of advancements in raw technology, genetic research & engineering and social trends. As a software industry insider, I found the authors projections "doable", with fascinating consequences. There is an air of mathematical precision to his projections, and the results of his analysis are awe inspiring
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