Artificial Intelligence: A Framework of State and Process

A perspective distinguishing the static concept of AI from the dynamic force driving its evolution.

1. Artificial Intelligence as a Steady State / Theoretical Concept

This view frames Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a capability or a theoretical goalpost. It represents a snapshot in time.

Theoretical AI: The abstract concept of a machine capable of performing intelligent tasks, serving as a north star for the field.

Snapshot AI: Any specific AI system at a fixed point in time (e.g., GPT-3, GPT-4). Each is a defined level of intelligence that can be studied, tested, and its limits understood.

2. Accelerating Intelligence as the Process to Singularity

This is the dynamic, engine-like force that drives change. Accelerating Intelligence is the *process* to AI's *state*.

It is the recursive, self-improving cycle where a system of capability N is used to design a system of capability N+1, with the time between iterations shrinking dramatically. This acceleration in capability, algorithmic efficiency, and learning transfer is what makes the technological Singularity a plausible outcome.

Synthesis: The Interdependent Trajectory

These two concepts form a powerful interdependent model:

Artificial Intelligence (the State) is the series of milestones we pass. It is the what.

Accelerating Intelligence (the Process) is the engine that moves us between these milestones at an ever-increasing speed. It is the how.

The trajectory created by this process points toward a potential Singularity—a horizon beyond which future "states" of intelligence become incomprehensible to our current human "state."