Artificial intelligence

noun (uncountable; also attributive adjective: 'artificial intelligence policy')

/ˌɑːtɪˈfɪʃ(ə)l ɪnˈtɛlɪdʒ(ə)ns/

The simulation of human cognitive functions — reasoning, learning, problem-solving, perception, and language comprehension — by machines, especially computer systems. In UPSC context, India's IndiaAI Mission (approved March 2024, outlay ₹10,372 crore) is the flagship policy framework, targeting 10,000-plus GPU compute capacity and covering seven pillars including AI compute infrastructure, data platforms, and AI safety. The EU AI Act (August 2024) classifies AI systems into four risk tiers — unacceptable, high, limited, and minimal — and serves as a regulatory benchmark for global AI governance discussions in Mains GS3.

✍️ Usage in a UPSC answer

The IndiaAI Mission's Safe and Trusted AI pillar — mandating algorithmic audits and bias assessments — reflects New Delhi's attempt to balance the economic promise of artificial intelligence with the democratic imperatives of transparency and accountability.

Synonyms

machine intelligencecomputational intelligencemachine learning (narrower)cognitive computingautomated reasoning

Antonyms

natural intelligencehuman intelligencebiological cognition

🌱 Word Family

AI (abbr), artificially (adv), intelligence (n), intelligent (adj), intelligently (adv), artificially intelligent (adj phrase)

🔡 Root

Latin artificialis = made by art/skill (ars = art + facere = to make); Latin intelligentia = understanding, discernment (inter- = between + legere = to choose/read)

📜 Etymology

The adjective artificial descends from Latin artificialis (from artificium, 'workmanship'). Intelligence comes from Latin intelligentia, via Old French intelligence. The compound 'Artificial Intelligence' was coined by American computer scientist John McCarthy at the Dartmouth Conference of 1956, which is regarded as the founding moment of AI as a formal academic discipline.

🧠 Memory Hook

ARTIFI-CIAL = made by art/skill (Latin ars facere); INTEL-LIGENCE = choosing between things (Latin inter legere). AI is literally 'skill-made choosing' — a machine that picks answers as if it understands. Pair that etymology with McCarthy's 1956 Dartmouth coinage and the term is anchored in history.

🔬 Science & Technology 📖 Seen in: Emerging Technologies — AI, Quantum Co... 📋 Also in Key Terms

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