Created: 2023.11.07
TL;DR
In the early days, the smart people called for calling it 'Simulated Intelligence' and other such, when talking about computers doing things that appeared to be thinking. But the non-technical press went with the more provocative "Artificial Intelligence." Please understand, there is no "Intelligence" in AI, and you need to bear that in mind so that you can most effectively use this extremely powerful and useful set of tools.
In the burgeoning world of technology, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a revolutionary force, shaping industries and changing the course of innovation. However, despite its widespread adoption and influence, there remains a critical misperception about its very essence. In this post, we delve into my personal recollection, having personally lived through it, the historical context of AI’s nomenclature and explore why the term “Artificial Intelligence” might be a misnomer, shedding light on a long-standing debate that dates back to the late 1970s and early 1980s.
In the early stages of AI development, a cohort of technologists and experts including myself advocated for a more accurate description of this burgeoning technology. They argued that the term “Artificial Intelligence” was a misrepresentation, as it implied a form of intelligence that was not only man-made but also on par with human cognition. These experts proposed an alternative: “Simulated Intelligence,” a term they believed more accurately captured the essence of AI, emphasizing its mimetic nature and acknowledging its limitations in replicating human intelligence.
But back then, there was no internet. There were no "influencers" outside of the mainstream press who had little time, let alone understand of what they were reporting on. Kind of like most bloggers on the internet today!
The Media's Role in Shaping Perceptions: As a result, despite the technical community’s push for a descriptive name, the media found the term “Artificial Intelligence” to be more alluring and provocative. The allure of AI, encapsulated in a name that suggested an equal standing with human intellect, captured the public's imagination and fueled visions of a future dominated by intelligent machines. The media's preference for the term “Artificial Intelligence” overshadowed the voices of those in the technical field, and as a result, the more nuanced “Simulated Intelligence” was sidelined.
The consequence of this nomenclatural choice is a persistent misconception about AI’s capabilities. The term “Artificial Intelligence” conveys a sense of autonomy and understanding that AI simply does not possess. AI operates on algorithms and data, devoid of consciousness, emotions, or subjective experiences. It simulates intelligence through pattern recognition and data processing, but it does not truly understand or comprehend the information it handles.
As we stand on the precipice of a new era in technology, it is crucial to address and rectify the misconceptions surrounding AI. Acknowledging AI as a form of simulated intelligence provides a more grounded and accurate understanding of its capabilities, fostering a more informed and realistic discourse about its role in society. By doing so, we can navigate the complexities of AI with clarity, ensuring that its development and integration into our lives are guided by awareness and responsibility.
But I acknowledge, it is far too late to change the nomenclature. We are stuck with AI as the name for Simulated Intelligence for the foreseeable future.