When Machines Gain Intelligence
Xiaomei Wang · 2025
This chapter explores the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI), focusing on the advent of large models and their revolutionary influence on the field. It begins with the resurgence of deep learning, led by pioneering figures, and the emergence of large models powered by the Transformer architecture. The chapter details the technical underpinnings of these models and their progression from basic image recognition to advanced cognitive capabilities. It also addresses the challenges associated with scaling laws and the potential for biases in machine learning systems. Additionally, the chapter examines AI’s role in reshaping societal norms, introducing concepts such as the zero-cost knowledge era and the beginnings of embodied intelligence. It outlines the trajectory of AI development through three stages: Artificial Narrow Intelligence, Artificial General Intelligence, and Artificial Superintelligence, highlighting the shift from specialized functions to potentially surpassing human intelligence. Finally, the chapter emphasizes the importance of preparing for a future of human-machine coexistence by fostering human virtues and mastering the art of human-AI interaction.