Artificial intelligence is the study of how to make computers intelligent. It aims to make computers able to perform complex tasks, recognize patterns, solve problems, and learn from experience. AI uses heuristics rather than algorithms to mimic human thought processes. The Turing thesis states that any thought process used by humans can be programmed into a computer. AI has many applications including business, engineering, medicine, science, security, and helps break past experiences to increase productivity. It has been successfully used in fields like medical diagnosis, stock trading, and more.