1.
Introduction to AI
1.1. Objectives/Goals of AI
The primary goals of Artificial Intelligence (AI) are to develop systems that can perform
tasks that typically require human intelligence. These include tasks such as problem-
solving, natural language understanding, decision-making, and visual perception. AI aims to
automate these processes in a way that is efficient, scalable, and effective.
1.2. What is AI?
AI refers to the simulation of human intelligence in machines that are designed to think,
learn, and act autonomously or with minimal human intervention. It encompasses a broad
range of technologies, including machine learning, deep learning, computer vision, and
natural language processing.
1.3. Approaches to AI – Making Computer:
1.3.1. Think like a human (Thinking humanly)
This approach seeks to model human thought processes. It involves understanding how
humans reason, make decisions, and solve problems, and replicating these processes in
machines.
1.3.2. Act like a human (Acting humanly)
In this approach, AI systems are designed to behave like humans. This includes replicating
behaviors such as language use, interaction, and physical movement, often seen in robots or
conversational agents.
1.3.3. Think rationally (Thinking rationally)
This approach involves building systems that aim to think logically and rationally. It draws
from logic-based models to enable computers to make decisions based on facts, reasoning,
and optimal problem-solving.
1.3.4. Act rationally (Acting rationally)
This approach focuses on the ability of machines to act optimally in a given situation. The
goal is for AI systems to not only make decisions but also perform actions that achieve
specific goals efficiently.
1.4. The Foundations of AI
The foundations of AI draw from several disciplines, including computer science,
mathematics, neuroscience, psychology, and linguistics. These fields contribute to the
theoretical, technical, and practical aspects of building intelligent systems.
1.5. Bits of History and the State of the Art
AI has evolved significantly since its inception in the mid-20th century. Early AI focused on
symbolic reasoning and expert systems. With advancements in data, computing power, and
algorithms, AI has progressed to include machine learning and deep learning. Today, it is
used in a variety of fields, from healthcare to finance, with ongoing research pushing the
boundaries of what machines can achieve.
