Expanded Definition of Artificial Intelligence

Expanded Definition of Artificial Intelligence

TO: Prof. Jason Ellis

FROM: Neil Domingo

DATE: 3/30/21

SUBJECT: Expanded Definition of Artificial Intelligence

Introduction

The purpose of this document is to further explore and define the term Artificial Intelligence. The term would be discussed by expanding the general definition of Artificial Intelligence. First, this document will define the term with its definitions. Then, this document will provide context for the given definitions. Lastly, this document will provide a working definition of the term of Artificial Intelligence. 

Definitions

Artificial Intelligence is defined by Britannica as “the ability of a digital computer or computer-controlled robot to perform tasks commonly associated with intelligent beings” [1]. This definition is a simple definition best for those that are unaware of what the term means. the definition given by Britannica, defines Artificial Intelligence simply as a “computer” or “robot” that performs tasks associated with “intelligent beings”. This definition is associated with systems that are embedded with “intellectual processes” with characteristics of humans. These characteristics include “ability to reason, discover meaning, generalize or learn from past experiences”. [1] Another definition that is similar to the Britannica definition of Artificial Intelligence is given in an article entitled Artificial intelligence-definition and practice.  The article defines Artificial Intelligence as “The term artificial intelligence denotes behavior of a machine which, if a human behaves in the same way, is considered intelligent” [2]. In this definition, a system, computer, or robot would be considered as a machine. Then, the definition states that the machine would display a behavior that is considered “intelligent”. It is only considered intelligent if it behaves in the same way as a human. There is another definition that is similar to the two given. A journal article entitled, Artificial intelligence, machine learning and deep learning: definitions and differences, refers Artificial Intelligence “to a field of computer science dedicated to the creation of systems performing tasks that usually require human intelligence” [3]. This given definition is similar to the others as it discusses systems and human intelligence. Systems are considered as machines or computers act in a way of a human. 

Human intelligence refers to a “mental quality that consists of the abilities to learn from experience, adapt to new situations, understand and handle abstract concepts, and use knowledge to manipulate one’s environment” [4].  All three definitions of Artificial Intelligence given are all similar as they define Artificial Intelligence as a machine or a computer/system that perform tasks in such fashion with characteristics of a human.  In simplest terms, a computer that acts or thinks like a human. One might lean towards the definition given in Artificial intelligence-definition and practice, because it best describes the machine denoting a behavior in a way of a human. 

Context

The term Artificial Intelligence is found in many journals such as Artificial Intelligence in the 21st Century. The journal discusses Artificial Intelligence and its growth throughout the 21st century. The journal utilizes different journals and conferences to dig into the impactful evolution of Artificial Intelligence. The journal states, “In simple terms, AI aims to extend and augment the capacity and efficiency of mankind in tasks of remaking nature and governing the society through intelligent machines, with the final goal of realizing a society where people and machines coexist harmoniously together” [5]. The purpose of Artificial Intelligence is to further extend the limitations of how tasks are executed and greatly increase the capacity and efficiency of these tasks. Ultimately, it will reshape nature and society that would lead to a world where humans and machines such as computers/robots can work together as a “well oiled machine”. Another journal entitled AIR5: Five Pillars of Artificial Intelligence Research discusses Artificial Intelligence and its five pillars. The five pillars of Artificial Intelligence are rationalizability, resilience, reproductivity, realism, and responsibility. The journal states that the five Rs “represent five key pillars of AI research that shall support the sustained growth of the field through the 21st century and beyond” [6]. The journal discusses how these five pillars are essential in maintaining the growth of Artificial Intelligence. The journal also states “The original inspiration of artificial intelligence (AI) was to build autonomous systems capable of matching human-level intelligence in specific domains” [6]. The intentions of Artificial Intelligence was to build a system that can match human intelligence in specific aspects. A blog entitled Artificial Intelligence in Medicine: Applications, implications, and limitations, discusses how Artificial Intelligence can be used in medicine. The blog also states “AI algorithms also must learn how to do their jobs. Generally, the jobs AI algorithms can do are tasks that require human intelligence to complete, such as pattern and speech recognition, image analysis, and decision making. However, humans need to explicitly tell the computer exactly what they would look for in the image they give to an algorithm, for example. In short, AI algorithms are great for automating arduous tasks, and sometimes can outperform humans in the tasks they’re trained to do” [7]. This quote details the capabilities of Artificial Intelligence and what it must do to be effective. Artificial Intelligence must learn algorithms and read data in order to produce results that are useful. However, they must be told what to do by a human. Once they learn their tasks, they can have the potential to outperform humans, as if “beating them at their own game”.

Working Definition

Artificial Intelligence is the ability of a computing machine such as a computer to learn algorithms and interpret data in order to perform tasks of a human’s capability.  Artificial Intelligence can have the potential to troubleshoot problems of a human’s computer or a computer in general. Artificial Intelligence can also have the potential ability of solving a human’s computer through a series of questions and ultimately lead to a solution. 

References

1. Copeland, B. (2020, August 11). Artificial intelligence. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/technology/artificial-intelligence
2. A. B. Simmons and S. G. Chappell, “Artificial intelligence-definition and practice,” in IEEE Journal of Oceanic Engineering, vol. 13, no. 2, pp. 14-42, April 1988, doi: 10.1109/48.551
3. D. Jakhar and I. Kaur, “Artificial intelligence, machine learning and deep learning: definitions and differences,” in Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, vol. 45, issue 1, pp. 131-132, June 2019, doi:10.1111/ced.14029
4. Sternberg, R. J. (2020, November 6). Human intelligence. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/science/human-intelligence-psychology
5. Liu, Jiaying & Kong, Xiangjie & Xia, Feng & Bai, Xiaomei & Wang, Lei & Qing, Qing & Lee, Ivan. (2018). Artificial Intelligence in the 21st Century. IEEE Access. PP. 1-1. 10.1109/ACCESS.2018.2819688
6. Ong, Yew & Gupta, Abhishek. (2018). AIR5: Five Pillars of Artificial Intelligence Research. 
7. Ariel, et al. “Artificial Intelligence in Medicine: Applications, Implications, and Limitations.” Science in the News, 19 June 2019, sitn.hms.harvard.edu/flash/2019/artificial-intelligence-in-medicine-applications-implications-and-limitations/.