Distinction Between Weak and Strong AI

The distinction between weak and strong AI is significant. Weak AI focuses on creating machines that perform tasks humans can do, like laptops or ATM machines. It is a legitimate pursuit that has transformed society without implying any deficiency. In contrast, strong AI aims to create machines with a truly intelligent mind, capable of explaining and embodying aspects of consciousness and mind. Achieving strong AI requires addressing philosophical challenges such as providing explanations for purpose, meaning, normativity, and consciousness in a material mind. This distinction highlights the difficulty of achieving strong AI and why those pursuing it are cautious about predicting the timeline for achieving artificial general intelligence.