Why AI Doesn't Think: We Need to Stop Calling It "Cognition" (docs.google.com)

In a thought-provoking analysis, experts argue that the term "cognition" is misleading when describing artificial intelligence (AI) systems. Despite their ability to process data and produce results, AI lacks the fundamental qualities of human thought and understanding. This distinction is crucial as it reshapes how we perceive and interact with AI technologies, emphasizing that their operations are fundamentally algorithmic rather than cognitive. The significance of this argument lies in its potential to recalibrate expectations regarding AI's capabilities and its role in society. By clarifying that AI does not "think" in the human sense, the AI/ML community can better address the ethical implications of deploying these technologies. This understanding encourages responsible usage and helps foster more realistic approaches to AI development, steering away from anthropomorphizing machines that may lead to misconceptions about their intelligence and decision-making processes.