Why comparisons between AI and human intelligence miss the point

Claims that artificial intelligence (AI) is on the verge of surpassing human intelligence are now commonplace. According to some commentators, rapid advances in large language models signal an impending tipping point – often referred to as “superintelligence” – that will fundamentally reshape society.

However, comparing AI and individual intelligence misses something essential about human intelligence. Our intelligence does not operate primarily at the level of isolated individuals. It is social, embodied and collective. When taken seriously, the claim that AI will surpass human intelligence becomes far less convincing.

These claims are based on a special comparison: AI systems are measured by the individual cognitive performance of humans. Can a machine write an essay, pass an exam, diagnose an illness, or compose music as well as a human? With these tight benchmarks, AI appears impressive.

But this formulation reflects the limits of traditional intelligence…