Stephen Downes

Lucy Suchman writes (5 page PDF), "The term 'AI' can be read as a label for currently dominant computational techniques and technologies that extract statistical correlations (designated as patterns) from large datasets, based on the adjustment of relevant parameters according to either internally or externally generated feedback." Great definition. So how did AI come to be thought of as a 'thing'? "'AI' is a term that suggests a specific referent but works to escape definition in order to maximize its suggestive power...  the thingness of AI works through a strategic vagueness that serves the interests of its promoters, as those who are uncertain about its referents (popular media commentators, policy makers and publics) are left to assume that others know what it is." Image: Heaven.