The Word 'AI' Has Changed Its Soul Three Times

Recently, I've been chatting with friends about AI, and the we talk, the something feels off. Everyone claims to understand it; everyone can carry a conversation. But halfway through, I often realize we're not talking about the same thing at all. This reminds me of a joke an economist once made. He said economics is different from physics. If you say at the dinner table that you're a physicist, the other person will usually respond, "I don't understand physics - what's new lately?" and then listen attentively.