Guest blog – AI Does Not Exist: Do Not Be Fooled By New Tools

In an era saturated with hype around “Artificial Intelligence,” it’s crucial to pause and critically examine what these sophisticated new tools truly represent. While undeniably powerful and capable of astounding feats, a deeper understanding reveals that what we commonly label “AI” does not, in fact, “exist” in the way many perceive it. We are not witnessing the dawn of conscious machines or independent digital minds; rather, we are seeing the remarkable evolution of sophisticated, human-designed algorithms.

This perspective is rooted in a foundational principle articulated nearly two centuries ago by Ada Lovelace, often celebrated as the world’s first computer programmer. Lovelace famously put forth what is now known as “Lovelace’s Objection.” She argued that machines, no matter how complex, could only ever execute what they were explicitly commanded to do by their programmers. They could not “originate” ideas, “anticipate” analytical truths, or possess genuine creativity or independent thought. For Lovelace, a machine was a magnificent tool designed to extend human capabilities, not to replicate or supersede human intellect in its essence. Her vision was clear: AI, as an originating intelligence, is simply machine programming.

Lovelace’s profound foresight is perhaps best captured in her renowned “Note G,” a detailed section of her comprehensive notes on Charles Babbage’s Analytical Engine. This note outlined the world’s first true computer program – an algorithm for calculating Bernoulli numbers. This detailed, step-by-step instruction set demonstrated her unparalleled ability to think abstractly about machine operations. More significantly, Note G revealed her understanding that the Analytical Engine was a general-purpose symbol manipulator, capable of weaving complex algebraic patterns much like a Jacquard loom weaves intricate designs. Yet, even as she envisioned machines composing music or generating graphics, she firmly maintained that such creations would always stem from human instruction, never from the machine’s independent will.

At the core of all “AI” tools lies the fundamental concept of the algorithm. These are not mystical entities, but simply precise, step-by-step sets of instructions designed to solve a problem or achieve a task. Algorithms have roots in ancient mathematics, long predating computers. Ada Lovelace’s genius was in applying this ancient concept to a mechanical computer, showing how a machine could follow a sequence of operations to perform complex calculations. Today’s advanced “AI” models, whether generating text, creating images, or performing complex data analysis, are built upon layers of incredibly sophisticated algorithms, all meticulously designed and trained by human engineers using vast datasets created by humans.

Therefore, when we interact with new “AI” tools, it’s essential to remember their true nature: they are powerful, complex, and incredibly useful computational tools that execute human-defined logic. They excel at pattern recognition, data processing, and optimizing solutions based on their training data. However, they do not possess consciousness, self-awareness, or the ability to think or feel independently. Understanding this distinction empowers us to harness their immense potential responsibly, appreciate the human ingenuity behind them, and avoid the pitfalls of misplaced trust or exaggerated fear. The true marvel lies not in a machine that “thinks,” but in the human intellect that conceives, designs, and refines these extraordinary algorithmic capabilities.

In light of this, perhaps it’s time we collectively shift our terminology. Instead of the misleading “Artificial Intelligence,” we should consider a more accurate and transparent term like Computational Machines (CM). This nomenclature precisely reflects what these tools are: incredibly sophisticated machines that perform complex computations based on algorithms designed by human intelligence. By calling them CM, we honour the profound human ingenuity behind their creation, demystify their capabilities, and foster a more grounded and realistic understanding of their role in our world.