Overview
This lecture introduces artificial intelligence (AI), explains its capabilities compared to human intelligence, and highlights how AI uses data to perform tasks.
What is Artificial Intelligence?
- Artificial intelligence (AI) allows computers to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence.
- AI enables machines to process visual information, recognize patterns, and understand spoken language.
- AI is a broad field within computer science with multiple subfields and applications.
How AI Works
- AI systems require large amounts of data to learn and make predictions.
- Algorithms analyze data to identify patterns and suggest actions.
- Machine learning, a part of AI, improves performance as more data is processed.
AI vs. Human Intelligence
- AI can be highly specialized and excel at specific tasks, such as playing complex games.
- Human brains can handle a wider variety of tasks and adapt to new problems more flexibly than AI.
- For example, AlphaGo could defeat a professional Go player but cannot perform unrelated tasks like driving or playing Monopoly.
Real-World Applications of AI
- AI is already present in many aspects of daily life, even if not always visible to users.
- Despite advancements, current AI does not match the overall versatility and adaptability of human intelligence.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) — Computer systems designed to perform tasks requiring human-like intelligence.
- Algorithm — A set of instructions or rules for solving a problem or performing a computation.
- Machine Learning — A subset of AI where systems learn from data to improve their performance on specific tasks.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review basic AI terminology and examples of AI in everyday life.
- Prepare to discuss differences between AI and human intelligence in the next session.