AI Definition and Perspectives

 

🧠 Definition of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

AI is a branch of computer science that enables machines to think, learn, and act like humans.

 Four Distinct Perspectives on Intelligence in Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is more than just coding—it’s about simulating intelligence. But what does "intelligence" mean for machines? Researchers and developers have defined four major perspectives to understand and design intelligent agents. Each offers a unique lens into how AI systems behave and make decisions.

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1️⃣ Thinking Humanly – Mimicking Human Thought

• Goal: Mimic how humans reason, remember, and solve problems.

• Approach: AI systems are designed based on cognitive modeling—replicating how the brain processes information.

• Examples:

  • Neural networks inspired by the brain's structure

  • Psychological simulations to mimic learning or memory

This perspective tries to understand how humans think, then reproduce it in machines.

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2️⃣ Thinking Rationally – Ideal Logical Thinking

• Goal: Achieve perfect reasoning using logic and rules.

• Approach: Based on formal logic, mathematics, and structured rules for decision-making.

• Examples:

  • Expert systems that use logic to diagnose problems

  • Theorem solvers that prove mathematical truths

AI designed under this perspective doesn't try to think like humans—it aims to think perfectly and logically.

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3️⃣ Acting Humanly – Human-Like Behavior

• Goal: Make AI behave in ways indistinguishable from humans.

• Approach: Inspired by the Turing Test, which measures whether a machine can fool a human into thinking it's also human.

• Examples:

  • Chatbots like ChatGPT

  • Voice assistants like Siri or Alexa

These systems may not think like humans but can converse and behave like one, especially in social interactions.

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4️⃣ Acting Rationally – Choosing the Best Action

• Goal: Select the most optimal action to maximize success or performance.

• Approach: Uses decision theory, control systems, and goal-based behavior.

• Examples:

  • Self-driving cars that plan efficient routes

  • Chess engines that calculate the best moves

This perspective is about acting smartly and strategically, regardless of whether the behavior seems “human.”