What is Artificial Intelligence?
Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to the simulation of human intelligence processes by machines, especially computer systems. These processes include learning (the acquisition of information and rules for using the information), reasoning (using rules to reach approximate or definite conclusions), and self-correction.
AI vs. Human Intelligence
While human intelligence involves complex cognitive processes, AI aims to replicate some aspects of this intelligence in machines. However, AI differs from human intelligence in several ways, including its reliance on algorithms, data, and computation rather than biological processes.
The Scope of Artificial Intelligence
Narrow AI vs. General AI
Narrow AI, also known as Weak AI, refers to AI systems designed for specific tasks, such as speech recognition, image classification, or playing chess. In contrast, General AI, or Strong AI, aims to develop machines with human-like intelligence capable of performing any intellectual task that a human can do.
The Turing Test
Proposed by Alan Turing in 1950, the Turing Test is a criterion for determining whether a machine exhibits human-like intelligence. In the test, a human evaluator interacts with both a human and a machine through a text interface and attempts to distinguish between them based on their responses.
Strong AI vs. Weak AI
Strong AI refers to AI systems that possess consciousness and self-awareness, while Weak AI refers to systems that simulate human intelligence without consciousness. Strong AI remains a theoretical concept, while Weak AI is the focus of current AI research and development efforts.
Some of the major AI Subfields
- Expert Systems: Rule-based systems designed to mimic human expertise in specific domains.
- Machine Learning: Algorithms and techniques to enable machines to learn from data and improve performance over time.
- Natural Language Processing (NLP): Understanding how machines process and understand human language.
- Computer Vision: Exploring algorithms enabling machines to interpret and analyze visual information.