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Artificial Intelligence vs. Artificial General Intelligence

Gladys Casas Cardoso
Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Weak AI refers to developing computer systems that can perform tasks that typically require human intelligence. AI encloses techniques, algorithms, and approaches to enable machines to simulate human cognitive processes, such as learning, reasoning, problem-solving, perception, and decision-making.

Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), Strong AI, or Human-Level AI, refers to a hypothetical form of AI that can understand, learn, and apply knowledge across a broad spectrum of tasks and domains, like how a human being can. AGI aims to replicate human-level intelligence, enabling machines to perform any intellectual task that a human can do. AGI systems would possess specialized knowledge in specific domains and the capability to transfer knowledge and skills across different contexts.

The critical difference between AI and AGI lies in their scope and capabilities:

Narrow Focus vs. Broad Capability: AI typically focuses on specific tasks, such as image recognition, natural language processing, or autonomous driving. These AI systems are designed to excel in their area of expertise but fail when faced with tasks outside their narrow domain. AGI seeks to possess a broad range of cognitive abilities, allowing it to perform different tasks competently.

Contextual vs. Context-Independent
: AI systems are designed to operate within a specific context or problem domain. For example, a chatbot designed to answer customer queries is trained and optimized for that task but may struggle to comprehend and respond to questions outside its designated domain. AGI, on the other hand, would possess contextual independence, allowing it to transfer knowledge, learn new tasks, and adapt to various situations without specific training.

Specific Learning vs. General Learning
: AI systems are trained using specific datasets and algorithms tailored to their task. They excel at learning patterns and rules relevant to their domain of operation. AGI, however, would be able to learn and generalize knowledge across different domains, like how humans can transfer learning from one task to another or apply past ability to new situations.

Limited Autonomy vs. Self-Awareness
: AI systems operate within predefined boundaries and require explicit instructions or supervision to perform tasks. They lack genuine autonomy and awareness of their actions. AGI aims to exhibit self-awareness, consciousness, and the capacity for independent decision-making, enabling it to operate autonomously without constant human intervention.

Artificial General Intelligence remains a theoretical concept, and researchers and scientists are actively working toward its development.

Even while limited AI fields have seen significant advancement, developing AGI presents substantial technical, ethical, and philosophical problems that have not yet been fully solved.
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