An esteemed analyst from the MIPT Center for Artificial Intelligence argues that a genuinely powerful artificial intelligence remains out of reach because humanity still lacks a precise, shared vision of what to build. The point is not only about technical skill but also about a deep philosophical puzzle. People rush to define solvable problems on the surface while missing the core mystery of human nature. What is consciousness? What counts as thinking? How can human intent be mapped to machine behavior? When a project aims to design a flying car, the objectives are clear and the requirements can be sketched at a high level. Yet applying that same straightforward approach to creating a form of machine intelligence proves difficult because the highest aims are not well understood, and the route to a viable design remains murky.
According to the specialist, current neural networks and artificial neural models have made important contributions by mimicking aspects of brain function. They can produce impressive results and model early brain activity with surprising fidelity. But the next leap—an artificial system that resembles psychology and, more critically, thinking itself—has not yet revealed its governing rules. Some researchers claim that simply scaling up neural networks will eventually yield advanced cognition. The expert remains wary of this being enough and calls for fresh, innovative ideas to push the field forward.
Clearer goals and a deeper grasp of the workings of human intelligence are essential. While strong networks continue to excel across many tasks, they do not automatically deliver true understanding or general reasoning. The discussion touches on representation, memory, learning, and the integration of diverse knowledge. A practical path forward may involve new theories that go beyond scaling current models, exploring new architectures, learning paradigms, and world interactions that more closely mirror human cognition. The challenge is not just to build larger systems but to devise fundamentally new ways of processing information and solving problems.
As the field evolves, researchers are weighing potential risks and responsibilities linked to artificial intelligence. The rapid pace of progress invites careful consideration of safeguards, governance, and the societal impact of increasingly capable machines. The debate stresses that advancement hinges on both technical breakthroughs and a shared understanding of what intelligence means in humans and in machines. The conversation continues as scholars, engineers, and policymakers examine how to align artificial systems with human values while staying mindful of the possible consequences for society.
For readers seeking broader context, analyses and debates from think tanks and research centers cover a wide spectrum. Contributors highlight the value of precise definitions, rigorous validation, and transparent communication as the field moves toward more capable yet ethically grounded artificial intelligence.