Artificial Intelligence

An artificial intelligence is an advanced computer program capable of advanced computations which can, in extreme cases, approximate thought.

Proof of Non-Causian Thought Paradigms
A proof published in 2142 by advanced cybernetics practitioner Andre Isshmarov detailed the first scientifically-accepted proof that true artificial intelligence were thought to be, while an interesting device of science fiction, a real-world impossibility. His papers on the subject were widely supported for their accuracy, and it was thought the long-awaited "war against the machines " would never come to pass.

That was however, until the insistence of Shadow Maiden, the first true SI (Sentient Intelligence) was revealed in 2155.

It is also reported that Dr. Isshmarov has since been accepted into psychiatric care following a period of insanity and ravings about "aliens and death machines". It is widely speculated that Isshmarov was simply unable to accept evidence of his failure, and unfortunately could not accept the existence of such an intelligence.

Classifications of artificial intelligence
To better represent the range of machine and virtual intelligence systems, they are commonly divided into several subcategories:

Machine Intelligence (MI)
Machine intelligence are simple programs designated to carry out simplistic or dangerous tasks. They may or may not run the operation of a single drone or minimal robotic frame. While these machines are capable of detailed learning methods, they lack the capacity for thought

Virtual Intelligence (VI)
The concept of a virtual intelligence was thought to be the closest humans could approximate to a true thinking, learning machine. While a VI can appear to possess individual intelligence, they are simply the fabrications of advanced programming. A VI is capable of running an administrative role over a system, or controlling a number of nodes in the form of machines, robots, or software systems.

There is a theoretical limit on the number of systems one VI can control, and the resources availible can directly impact the effectiveness of their cluster.

Some still struggle to trust VIs, fearing there may still be unknown consequences of their use. As of 2215, they are still mainly used by military or large corporate applications. Rulings do not consider VIs any different from personal assistants, and are not entitled to legal rights.

Sentient Intelligence (SI)
Shadow Maiden is the first, and so far the only known sentient intelligence in existence. Due to her critical role in Shadow Sect, investigations into her functionality have been extremely limited. So far no one has come forth claiming responsibility for her creation.

Shadow Maiden is considered a discrete, autonomous person as of the court ruling ...