The Algorithmic Republic: The Social Impacts of AI in Singapore

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the field of study and development of computer systems capable of performing tasks that would typically require human intelligence. These tasks include reasoning, problem-solving, learning, understanding natural language, and perceiving the environment. As defined by John McCarthy, one of the pioneers of AI, “Artificial intelligence is the science and engineering of making intelligent machines, especially intelligent computer programs” (McCarthy, 2007). AI aims to replicate or simulate human cognitive functions in machines to enhance or automate decision-making, pattern recognition, and interactions. According to Stuart Russell and Peter Norvig, in their foundational textbook Artificial Intelligence: A Modern Approach, “AI is concerned with intelligent behaviour in artifacts” (Norvig, 2021). They categorise AI systems based on their capabilities to act and think rationally or humanly.