State of the Art, written by Iain M. Banks, is a science fiction novel set in the Culture universe.

The story revolves around a Culture ship called Arbitrary, which arrives on Earth disguised as a lavishly equipped floating hotel. The ship's AI, known as the Rimvic, has a mission to contact and evaluate humanity's advancement and determine whether Earth is ready to be invited to join the Culture.

The book explores various encounters the ship and its crew have with humans as they observe and assess the state of humanity art, economics, politics, and society in general. These encounters range from engaging with eccentric artists and scientists to witnessing the ruthless tactics of a major corporation looking to dominate the world.

Through these encounters, Banks presents a juxtaposition between the benevolent and enlightened society of the Culture and the flaws and limitations of humanity. He intertwines themes of power, ethics, and the pursuit of progress, questioning whether the Culture's intervention would be beneficial or detrimental to Earth's development.

State of the Art is a thought-provoking exploration of humanity's relationship with technology, progress, and the potential for a utopian future. Banks' storytelling and imaginative world-building create an engaging narrative that captivates readers while raising essential philosophical questions about the nature of civilization and what it means to be human.