We Don’t Have the Words
Richard E. Susskind · 2025
Abstract This chapter examines the limitations of current language in describing AI concepts, showing how human analogies often shape our understanding of machine functions. It introduces ‘quasi-judgement’, ‘quasi-empathy’, and ‘quasi-creativity’ to distinguish between human and AI capabilities. Judgement, typically a human trait, is redefined as handling uncertainty, something machines increasingly excel at. Quasi-empathy captures AI’s ability to simulate empathetic responses without truly experiencing emotions, while quasi-creativity reflects AI’s capacity to generate original content, though lacking the human context that enriches true creativity. The chapter concludes that while AI can mimic human-like traits, a richer vocabulary is needed to capture these processes better.