1.2 Definition and Meaning of AI
The textbook definition: AI is the science of making machines do tasks that would need intelligence if a human did them.
Chapter 1: Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
Let's break the name down. Artificial = made by humans, not nature. Intelligence = the ability to learn, reason, solve problems and adapt. Put them together and you get human-made systems that show some of those abilities.
The term was coined by computer scientist John McCarthy in 1955, for a summer workshop at Dartmouth College in 1956. His idea: if we can describe learning precisely enough, a machine can be made to simulate it.
Today most experts describe AI by what it can do: perceive (see, hear), understand (language, context), reason (make decisions) and act (respond or move). Not every AI does all four - most are really good at just one.
Fun fact
McCarthy's proposal asked for a 2-month, 10-person study and hoped to make "a significant advance" in one summer. It took a bit longer than that.
Key takeaways
Artificial = human-made, Intelligence = learn, reason, adapt
Term coined by John McCarthy (1955)
AI is usually defined by abilities: perceive, understand, reason, act