How is artificial intelligence defined?

Artificial intelligence is defined as the simulation of human intelligence in machines that are designed to think and learn. This definition encapsulates the core idea behind AI, which involves creating systems capable of performing tasks that typically require human-like cognitive functions. These tasks include learning from experiences, understanding natural language, recognizing patterns, and making decisions.

The essence of AI lies in its ability to adapt and improve based on new information, mirroring the learning processes of humans. This is a key distinction from simpler forms of automation, which merely follow predefined instructions without the ability to learn or make autonomous decisions.

In contrast, options that describe basic task performance or simple automation do not reflect the complexity and capabilities of artificial intelligence. While many systems may perform simple tasks, AI goes beyond that by incorporating elements of reasoning, problem-solving, and adaptability. Thus, the selected answer accurately captures the comprehensive nature of what constitutes artificial intelligence.