Final answer:
A type of artificial intelligence that outperforms humans in a specific task is known as Narrow AI, or Weak AI. This is contrasted with General AI, which is still theoretical and would encompass a broad range of human-like abilities. Concerns about AI focus on ethical use, societal impact, and safety.
Step-by-step explanation:
A type of artificial intelligence that outperforms humans in some defined task is known as D: Narrow AI. Narrow AI is designed to perform a specific task with a level of competence that can equal or surpass human abilities. This contrasts with General AI, which would have the capacity to handle any intellectual task that a human being can. Weak AI, often synonymous with Narrow AI, includes systems like Apple's Siri or social media bots that are proficient in singular tasks. Strong AI, on the other hand, encompasses hypothetical machines capable of displaying a broad spectrum of human-like cognitive abilities rapidly.
Artificial intelligence is effectively defined as the simulation of human intelligence by machines programmed to mimic human thought and actions. Given that AI can range from reactive machines to self-aware systems, industries are already harnessing its potential in areas such as self-driving cars and virtual butlers. Perspectives on AI's development and integration into society vary, often emphasizing the ethics and governance of such technology, the potential for it to outperform human intelligence, and concerns regarding privacy, job loss, and the misalignment of superintelligent systems with human values and safety. The considerations reflect the breadth of impact AI can have on our world.