A Short History of AI, As Told By MIT

Despite its widespread use, there is little consensus on what artificial intelligence actually is, with opinions ranging from it being akin to magic to simply complex mathematics.

Historical context and competing definitions: The very term “artificial intelligence” was controversial from the start, with many of John McCarthy’s colleagues in 1955 preferring alternative names like “automata studies” or “complex information processing”:

• AI has since attracted zealous fandoms and detractors, with camps often talking past each other and engaging in heated debates with significant real-world consequences.
• How AI is defined and explained by industry leaders and scientists to policymakers and the public shapes perceptions and regulations of a technology increasingly embedded in everyday life.

Examining the spectrum of beliefs: People’s views on the fundamental nature of AI are often polarized, almost religious in fervor:

• Some, like the “TESCREALists”, have an almost mystical belief in the inevitability and transformative power of artificial general intelligence to radically improve humanity.
• Others are deeply offended by the notion that human intelligence could be recreated mechanistically and view such beliefs as hubristic or even linked to racist ideologies.
• In between are those who see AI as simply advanced mathematics and computing rather than something supernatural, yet still revolutionary in its potential impacts.

Why it matters: The lack of a clear definition allows AI to be overhyped by those with financial interests and god-complexes while also dismissed by detractors:

• As AI becomes increasingly embedded in everything from search engines to phone assistants, it’s critical that the public understands what the technology actually is and what it can realistically do.
• Having a shared understanding could enable more substantive discussions around the ethics, limitations, and societal implications of a technology that will profoundly shape the future.

The heated and often quasi-religious debates around defining AI reflect both the immaturity of the field and the high stakes involved. While a universally accepted definition remains elusive, striving for clearer public communication and separating marketing hype from reality is essential as AI systems become more powerful and prevalent in daily life. A realistic understanding of AI’s current capabilities and limitations is needed to develop sound policies and set appropriate expectations for its future trajectory.