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GlossaryModelsIntermediate

Superintelligence

Also written: SI, Superhuman AI, ASI, Superintelligent AI, Super intelligence, Intelligence explosion, AI explosion, Artificial Superintelligence

AI that is much smarter than any human in all areas.

In plain terms

Superintelligence refers to artificial intelligence that surpasses human intelligence across almost all fields. This means an AI could perform tasks like scientific discovery, strategic planning, and social understanding at a level far beyond any person.

Imagine an AI that could solve complex global problems like climate change or disease in ways humans haven't conceived. The concept raises questions about control and safety, as such an advanced intelligence might have goals that differ from human interests.

The expert version

Superintelligence describes a hypothetical AI agent possessing cognitive abilities significantly exceeding those of the most capable human minds across virtually all domains. This includes scientific creativity, general wisdom, and social skills. The transition to superintelligence is often discussed in terms of an intelligence explosion, where an AI capable of recursive self-improvement rapidly enhances its own capabilities.

Key challenges in achieving and managing superintelligence involve ensuring alignment with human values and preventing unintended consequences. The potential for rapid capability gains makes safety research a critical area, as even slight misalignments could have catastrophic outcomes.

Why it matters now

Recent news highlights a rebranding of AI to "Super Intelligence" (SI) by xAI, signaling a potential shift in public perception and industry terminology. Discussions around AI safety and the need for controls, particularly concerning advanced AI capabilities, are becoming more prominent, with leaders from Anthropic and Microsoft calling for caution and oversight.

Where it shows up 34 items, newest first
How each company uses it
Anthropic Claude
Anthropic's leaders are actively discussing the challenges and potential risks associated with developing advanced AI, including the need for safety measures.
Google Gemini
Google Gemini's work in AI development is implicitly part of the broader conversation around advanced AI capabilities.
Meta Meta AI
Meta is integrating advanced AI capabilities, referred to as superintelligence, into consumer products like AI glasses and VR.
Microsoft Copilot
Microsoft's leadership is advocating for the implementation of safety features and human oversight for advanced AI models.
xAI Grok
xAI has rebranded its focus to "Super Intelligence" (SI), indicating a strategic shift in how the company frames its AI development and goals.
Related terms

Artificial General IntelligenceAlignment ProblemExistential RiskIntelligence ExplosionAI SafetyRecursive Self-Improvement

Often confused with
Artificial General Intelligence
AGI refers to AI with human-level cognitive abi
Origin

The term 'superintelligence' was popularized by philosopher Nick Bostrom in his 2014 book 'Superintelligence: Paths, Dangers, Strategies'. The book explores the potential consequences of artificial intelligence surpassing human intellectual capacity. Source ↗

Try this about 5 minutes

While true superintelligence doesn't exist yet, you can explore advanced AI capabilities by asking a model like ChatGPT or Claude to explain a complex scientific concept in simple terms, then ask it to explain it to a five-year-old, and finally ask it to write a poem about it. This demonstrates a breadth of understanding and creative generation.

Try it: Playbook entries that use thisPlaybook →

The Playbook: reusable how-tos, prompts, configs and tips pulled out of the news.

Questions people ask

When will superintelligence be created?
There is no consensus on when superintelligence might be achieved. Predictions vary widely among experts, with some suggesting decades or centuries, while others believe it could happen much sooner.
Is superintelligence dangerous?
The potential dangers of superintelligence are a major concern in AI safety research. If an AI becomes vastly more intelligent than humans, ensuring its goals remain aligned with human well-being is a significant challenge.

First seen on Subvolts Dec 14, 2023. Updated Oct 17, 2026. Written by an AI model from the items above and reviewed against them weekly; report an error.