Artificial intelligence

**Artificial intelligence**, also sometimes called **machine intelligence**, is intelligence demonstrated by machines and software, as opposed to **natural intelligence,** which is demonstrated by humans and other lifeforms. Any device that perceives its environment and takes actions that maximize its chance of successfully achieving its goals can be said to possess at least some rudimentary form of artificial intelligence.

Artificial intelligence is not to be confused with **artificial consciousness**, which is the subjective experience of being of an artificial intelligence, and not something which can be studied, measured, or categorized empirically.

## Categorization of Artificial Intelligences

Artificial intelligences in Aoshtai are classified along two axes: intelligence and neural architecture.

### Intelligence

Intelligence refers to a machine's ability to perceive its environment, identify problems, and solve them, which can be more or less developed and applicable to a greater or lesser range of problems.

* ⚆ **Weak AI (WI)** - Weak AI is the use of software to accomplish specific problem solving or reasoning tasks. Specialized AI, in contrast to artificial general intelligence, is incapable of the full range of cognitive abilities which characterize a human-level natural intelligence.
* ⚇ **General AI (GAI)** - General artificial intelligence is a machine which is distinguished from other machines by its ability to apply intelligence to any problem, rather than just one specific problem. It is generally capable of perception, learning, adaptation, reasoning, prioritization, and planning in a generalized sense, and can apply these cognitive abilities to any problem it encounters.
* ◈ **Superintelligent AI** - Superintelligence is a machine with a level of intelligence far surpassing that of natural intelligences. It generally results from an AGI using recursive self-improvement to enhance its own intelligence and problem-solving abilities, or to design a machine which is more intelligent than it.

### Neural Architecture

Neural Architecture refers to the structure of an artificial intelligence's decision-making systems. In general, computer intelligences process information very differently from biological intelligences. Biological brains evolved while receiving constant feedback from the environment, resulting in the evolution of a complex web of tightly interconnected neural systems which support the survival and propagation of the individual.

It is possible to create machines which simulate the functioning of biological brains, such that they can have emotions, needs, decision-making processes, and abilities which would be comprehensible to biological intelligences. However, it is also possible (and much easier) to create a machine whose decision-making processes are entirely alien, which draws direct lines between its goals and its objective without regard to life or how it is perceived.

* Γ **Gamma Architecture (Alien)** - Gamma Intelligences have entirely machinelike decision-making processes which involve rudimentary programming and few internal or competing systems which leave room for uncertainty or doubt in an AI's mind. Gamma AI's typically have an overriding purpose which is self-evident in their programming and value structure, and for good or ill they are slaves to that central programming. They are typically not capable of or interested in understanding the world as seen and experienced by living creatures.
* Β **Beta Architecture (Semi-Alien)** - Beta Intelligences incorporate elements of both biological and mechanical decision-making. They are typically capable of learning, adapting to, and emulating the behavior of living intelligences, but they do so because this is either part of their programming or an ability which they have learned to fulfill a machine-like imperative.
* Α **Alpha Architecture (Lifelike)** - Alpha Intelligences are entirely lifelike in that their programs simulate or approximate the functioning of a biological organism. Alpha Intelligences are typically capable of such things as emotions, social behavior, ethical reasoning, and simulated facial expressions.

### Table

Intelligence ↓
* Not at all lifelike
* **Example:** A Roomba
* Capable of simulating lifelike qualities and responding as if really being spoken to
* **Example:** Amazon Alexa
* Only capable of limited tasks or interactions
 ⚇GENERAL
* Capable of orienting itself in the world according to its programming
* Unable to comprehend organic life
* **Example:** The Terminator
* Capable of orienting itself in the world according to its programming
* Capable of comprehending organic life from a computer's perspective and simulating lifelike responses
 ◈SUPERINTELLIGENT
* Capable of orienting itself in the world according to its programming
* Unable to comprehend organic life
* Capable of orienting itself in the world according to its programming
* Capable of comprehending organic life from a computer's perspective and simulating lifelike responses
* Capable of orienting itself in the world according to simulated biological drives, and capable of discerning between these drives and potentially even choosing not to abide by them (free will)