What is artificial general intelligence?

Definition

Artificial general intelligence refers to a proposed AI system with broad competence across many domains rather than strong performance on a narrow task set. Definitions commonly emphasize learning new tasks, transferring knowledge, adapting to unfamiliar situations, and reasoning across different problems.

There is no universally agreed test or threshold for declaring that such a system exists. Claims should identify the definition and evidence being used instead of treating one person's interpretation or a collection of demonstrations as a settled standard.

ELI5

Artificial general intelligence is a proposed kind of AI that could learn and perform a broad range of cognitive work instead of being strong only in narrow tasks. It would transfer knowledge across domains and adapt to unfamiliar problems at a human-comparable or greater level.

For example, doing well on one coding test would not by itself demonstrate general intelligence. A credible claim would need clear definitions and evidence across many different tasks, environments, learning situations, and real-world constraints.

Acronyms and aliases

AGI acronymgeneral AI variant

Frequently asked questions

Is there an agreed standard for artificial general intelligence?

No. Researchers and organizations use different definitions, thresholds, and views about the evidence that would be sufficient.

Is broad task performance enough to establish general intelligence?

Not automatically. Evidence should cover adaptation, transfer, reliability, unfamiliar tasks, and the limits of the evaluation.

Videos explaining artificial general intelligence

  1. Nick Saraev, Jack Roberts and Jakub Pachocki with AI safety and compute infrastructure themes
  2. Broken software connection beside the words OpenAI Cuts Cursor Access
  3. Wes Roth beside the words Why OpenAI Calls It AGI
  4. The words AGI in Four Months beside a flat calendar and forward arrow illustration
  5. Portrait of Riley Brown beside the headline GPT-6 Astra in Action.
  6. Portraits of Tim Scarfe and Adam Becker beside the words The Singularity Story Breaks Down