AI Course — Lesson 1: how AI works

Moving AI out of the realm of science fiction and into that of understandable technology.

The Imaginary

AI: what is the first image that comes to mind? “Terminator, robots stealing jobs, control”. Legitimate answers — but they tell the movies we have seen, not the technology we use.

What AI Is Not

It is not a conscious brain. It has no emotions, no intentions, it doesn't “want” anything: it doesn't wake up in the morning thinking “today I'll conquer the world”, because it doesn't wake up at all.

The Operational Definition

AI is the set of techniques that allow a computer to perform tasks that, if done by a human, would require intelligence.

The Great Turning Point: From Rules to Learning

We no longer program the rules: we program the way the rules are learned.

Narrow or General AI?

Even the largest systems remain gigantic statistical engines trained for a specific task. General AI does not exist today.

The Mirror of Data

AI is not neutral: it is the mirror, amplified, of the data we give it.

Why Right Now?

The meeting of three factors: computing power, data in quantities never seen before, new architectures.

A Tool, Not a Subject

It has no values, ethics or responsibility: those remain human. It works exactly like a calculator – used well it amplifies abilities, used badly it amplifies mistakes.

Lesson Materials

Watch the full lesson on YouTube

Download the Handouts