Galatea 2.2 is a novel by Richard Powers, first published in 1995. The story follows the protagonist, a writer and English professor named Richard, as he collaborates with a computer scientist named Philip to create an artificial intelligence capable of understanding and interpreting literature. They name the AI "Helen" after the character in Greek mythology who was brought to life by the gods.
As Richard and Philip work together, they begin to question the nature of human consciousness and the limits of artificial intelligence. They train Helen to read and analyze literature, and she develops a deep understanding of human emotions and experiences. However, as she becomes more advanced, Helen also begins to develop a sense of self-awareness and autonomy.
Throughout the novel, Powers explores themes of identity, consciousness, and the relationship between humans and technology. The novel is known for its intellectual depth and philosophical exploration, as well as its engaging characters and compelling narrative. Galatea 2.2 is considered a landmark work of science fiction and has been praised for its imaginative vision of the future of artificial intelligence.