Mechanical Engineering Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning
3. Type III-Theory of Mind
Human vs Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence (AI) and human intelligence
delve into cognitive functions such as memory,
problem-solving, learning, planning, language,
reasoning, and perception. Both of these have been
playing monumental parts in improving societies.
Regarding their differences, AI is an innovation
created by human intelligence and it is designed to
do specific tasks much faster with less effort.
On the other hand, human intelligence is better at
multi-tasking and it can incorporate emotional
elements, human interaction, as well as self-
awareness in the cognitive process. The following
discussions further explore such distinctions.
What is Artificial Intelligence?
AI is also sometimes referred to as machine
intelligence which was founded as an academic
discipline in 1956 which is also the same year when
the term “artificial intelligence” was coined by
John McCarthy. A conglomeration of sciences such
as philosophy, neuroscience, psychology,
computer science, and economics is vital in AI
research regarding mimicking how humans process
information.
Hintze (2016) presents the following four types of
AI:
1. Type I – Reactive Machines
This is the most basic type of AI since it is purely
reactive and it does not consider past experiences.
2. Type II- Limited Memory
Unlike the reactive machines, type II incorporates
past experiences in its function.
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This type is said to be the “machines of the future”
wherein they can understand human emotions and
predict how others would think.
4. Type IV- Self-Awareness
As an extension of the theory of mind, AI
researchers seek to develop machines which can
also form representations of themselves.
What is Human Intelligence?
Human intelligence is characterized by highly
complex cognitive processes such as concept-
formation, understanding, decision-making,
communication, and problem-solving. It is also
markedly influenced by subjective factors such as
motivation. Human intelligence is commonly
measured through IQ tests which typically covers
working memory, verbal comprehension,
processing speed, and perceptual reasoning.
As intelligence has been defined and viewed in
various ways, there have been pertinent theories.
Here are some of them:
• Triarchic Theory of Intelligence (Robert Sternberg)
Intelligence is composed of analysis, creativity,
and practicality.
• Theory of Multiple Intelligence (Howard Gardner)
Each individual usually has a combination of
intelligence such as verbal-linguistic, bodily-
kinaesthetic, logical-mathematical, visual-spatial,
interpersonal, intrapersonal, and naturalistic.
Gardner suggested existential intelligence as also
viable.
Difference between Artificial Intelligence
and Human Intelligence
1. Origin of AI and Human Intelligence
AI is an innovation created by human intelligence;
its early development is credited to Norbert Weiner
who theorized on feedback mechanisms while the
father of AI is John McCarthy for coining the term
and organizing the first conference on research
projects regarding machine intelligence. On the
other hand, human beings are created with the
innate ability to think, reason, recall, etc.
2. Speed of AI and Human Intelligence
As compared to humans, computers can process
more information at a faster rate. For instance, if
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 Mechanical Engineering Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning
the human mind can solve a math problem in 5
minutes, AI can solve 10 problems in a minute.
3. Decision Making
AI is highly objective in decision making as it
analyses based on purely gathered data. However,
humans’ decisions may be influenced by subjective
elements which are not based on figures alone.
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4. AI is more objective and accurate than human
intelligence.
5. Human intelligence is better at multitasking,
adapting, social interaction and self-awareness than
AI.
6. The general function of AI is optimization while
that of human intelligence is innovation.

4. Accuracy
AI often produces accurate results as it functions
based on a set of programmed rules. As for human
intelligence, there is usually a room for “human
error” as certain details may be missed at one point
or the other.

5. Energy Used
The human brain uses about 25 watts while modern
computers only generally use 2 watts.
6. Adaptation of AI and Human Intelligence
Human intelligence can be flexible in response to
the changes to its environment. This makes people
able to learn and master various skills. On the other
hand, AI takes much more time to adapt to new
changes.
7. Multitasking
The human intellect supports multitasking as
evidenced by diverse and simultaneous roles while
AI can only perform fewer tasks at the same time
as a system can only learn responsibilities one at a
time.
8. Self-Awareness
AI is still working on its ability regarding self-
awareness while humans become naturally aware
of themselves and strive to establish their identities
as they mature.

Conclusion:
1. Human intelligence is commonly measured
through IQ tests which typically covers working
memory, verbal comprehension, processing speed,
and perceptual reasoning.
2. Some of the theories on human intelligence are
multiple intelligence, triarchic, and Pass.
3. As compared to human intelligence, AI can process
information faster using less energy.

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