What is Artificial Intelligence?

The Basics of Artificial Intelligence: A Guide for Beginners

Artificial Intelligence (AI), a term that was once confined to the realm of science fiction, has now become an integral part of our everyday lives. From Siri on your iPhone to autonomous cars, AI is transforming how we live, work, and interact. But what exactly is AI? Let's delve into the basics and the different types of AI, including Narrow AI and General AI.

Artificial Intelligence: An Overview

At its core, Artificial Intelligence refers to the attempt to simulate human intelligence processes by machines, like computers. These processes include the ability to learn, reason, and self-correction (1).

AI is not just about programming a computer to perform tasks. It is about creating systems that can "think" and make decisions like a human. AI is often broken down into two types: Narrow AI and General AI.

Narrow AI

Narrow AI (sometimes called Weak AI) is designed to perform a specific and narrow task, such as voice recognition, recommendation systems, or image recognition. It operates under defined constraints and is focused on a single task. For instance, Siri, the virtual assistant on Apple devices, is an example of Narrow AI. Siri can help you find information, get directions, send messages, and more, but it operates under a limited set of constraints and is focused on a narrowly defined set of tasks (2).

General AI

General AI, also known as Strong AI, is the kind of AI that has the potential to outperform humans at nearly every economically valuable work. It is a type of AI that can understand, learn, adapt, and implement knowledge in various tasks. Unlike Narrow AI, General AI can independently apply knowledge learned from one domain to another. However, as of now, General AI remains largely in the realm of science fiction, with researchers making only incremental progress toward this goal (3).

AI is a fast advancing field with the potential to revolutionize various industries. From automating mundane tasks to making complex decisions, AI is set to redefine how we live and work. As we continue to advance in this field, it is crucial to understand the basics of AI and its different types, ensuring we harness its potential responsibly and ethically.