How Intelligent is Artificial Intelligence (AI), Really?
Michael Donoghue
AI Workshop Facilitator, Trainer & Coach | Speaker | CEO & Fintech Founder | AI Adoption Business Transformation Adviser | Saxton Speakers Representative | Vistage CEO Advisor | Digital Transformation Specialist
During training sessions with clients, I am frequently asked questions like, “How intelligent is AI? Is it genuinely intelligent?” As with many topics related to AI, the answer is nuanced. My focus tends to be on the practical applications of AI for business
Questions such as, “Is AI really intelligent?” or “Does it actually reason like a human?” are fascinating and deeply philosophical. However, from a business perspective, they are largely irrelevant. The real question for business leaders should be: Is AI valuable to me, my team, or my company? When properly utilised and understood by team members, AI can provide immense value to businesses
A succinct analogy I once heard, possibly from Eddie Izzard, captures an aspect of the answer well: “A toaster can make toast, but that doesn't mean it knows how to make toast”. Similarly, AI may not understand what it does—it doesn't feel emotions or know what it's like to stand on a beach, but it can write about both. Nevertheless, it can still be incredibly useful for day-to-day operations across all areas of a business.
It can simulate intelligence and simulate reasoning, and when used with AI-trained personnel
AI vs. Human Intelligence
Although I am very much pro-human, it is clear that AI already surpasses human abilities in several areas:
According to the Stanford University Artificial Intelligence Index Report 2024, AI has reached performance levels that exceed human abilities across a range of specialised tasks.
However, when it comes to more general reasoning or tasks that require cross-domain thinking
That said, it is essential not to engage in static thinking—AI is evolving rapidly, and what is true today may very well change tomorrow.
?
?AI's Advancements in Mathematics and General Intelligence
Recent data from trackingai.org indicates that OpenAI's latest model now exceeds the average human intelligence range (IQ 85-115).
领英推荐
?
While it is true that some benchmarks have flaws, and may overstate aspects of AI, one thing that cannot be denied is the rapid rate of progress within the AI sector.
AI has made remarkable progress recently in mathematics, a domain where it has historically struggled.
Notable recent achievements include:
Despite the common belief that AI isn't as smart as humans, it is difficult to ignore these feats. I have yet to meet anyone who can pass law, medical, and mathematical exams simultaneously, in multiple languages, and do so in less than 30 minutes.
Within the AI field, some AI models are described as being able to operate at an “undergraduate level,” but the latest OpenAI model, referred to as 01, is now being compared to having PhD-level capabilities.
From a business perspective, it’s important to appreciate the current state of AI, its trajectory, its strengths and weaknesses, and how to use it properly.
If you are early in your AI journey and want to understand how AI's capabilities can benefit your business, whether in terms of team productivity, work quality, or strategic planning
Additional Articles:
This is an insightful take on AI's capabilities. It's crucial for business leaders to navigate the line between leveraging AI's strengths and understanding its limitations. How do you see organizations best integrating AI to enhance productivity while managing the complexities?
There Is Nothing Artificial About Artificial Intelligence In my exploration of public perceptions surrounding artificial intelligence (AI), I have identified a critical misconception that hampers serious discussions about its potential dangers: the term "artificial." Many individuals struggle to reconcile the idea of something labeled as "artificial" posing a threat to humanity. This misunderstanding is not merely semantic; it shapes how we perceive and engage with AI technologies. I firmly believe that we must reconsider the terminology we use when discussing AI. Rather than referring to it as "artificial intelligence," I advocate for alternative terms such as "Ancient Intelligence," "Augmented Intelligence," or "Advanced Intelligence." These terms more accurately reflect the capabilities and implications of AI systems, moving beyond the misleading connotation of artificiality.
Executive Manager, Fraud Technology at Commonwealth Bank
4 个月Thanks Michael, interesting perspective on AI as always.
Enhancing Your Financial Performance in Property | Unleashing More Time, Less Risk and Less Hassles for Owners
4 个月Thanks Michael, with your guidance myself and the team are see tremendous efficiencies in areas of our roles, particularly in repetitive tasks. The experience has been eye opening!