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Human intelligence and artificial intelligence: a lexical and psychological exploration

In this paper, we have examined the differences and similarities between human and artificial intelligence from both lexical and psychological perspectives. As observed in the introduction, modern AI combines advanced technologies that not only amplify human capabilities but in some cases replace them. The capacity for autonomous learning and adaptation makes these technologies particularly powerful, raising critical questions about the very nature of intelligence. Lexically, terms such as “artificial intelligence”, “machine learning”, and “deep learning” have become common, yet they often lack a direct correspondence with the psychological concepts of human learning and understanding. Machine learning refers to the ability of machines to learn from data without explicit programming, while deep learning utilizes neural networks to process large amounts of data in a manner similar to the human brain. However, as we have emphasized, these techniques focus on specific processing and pattern recognition capabilities rather than on deep and intuitive understanding. Psychologically, human intelligence is a complex construct that goes beyond merely solving problems or memorizing information. It includes intuition, pattern recognition, and the ability to make decisions in uncertain situations, aspects that, as highlighted by Gigerenzer (2023), cannot be fully replicated by machines. Human understanding involves a deep awareness and meaningful application of acquired knowledge, something that current AIs cannot fully emulate.

03/03/2026

M. Zuin, E. Orsenigo - Human intelligence and artificial intelligence: a lexical and psychological exploration - IUSVEducation #28 Special issue - Marzo 2026

Titolo: Human intelligence and artificial intelligence: a lexical and psychological exploration
Tipo di pubblicazione: articolo
Anno di pubblicazione: 2026
Autore: Marco Zuin, Enrico Orsenigo
Rivista: IUSVEducation #28 – Supplemento
Pagine: 73-86
Data di pubblicazione: marzo 2026
Editore: IUSVE – Istituto Universitario Salesiano
ISSN: 2283-642X

Come citare: Zuin, M., Orsenigo, E. (2026). Human intelligence and artificial intelligence: a lexical and psychological exploration. IUSVEducation, 28 Supplemento, 73-86. https://www.iusveducation.it/intelligenza-umana-e-intelligenza-artificiale-una-esplorazione-lessicale-e-psicologica/

Parole chiave: Prestito concettuale, intelligenza umana, intelligenza artificiale, comprensione, apprendimento

Paper PDF: IUSVEducation_28_Special_Issue_Zuin_Orsenigo_INTELLIGENZA_UMANA_E_INTELLIGENZA_ARTIFICIALE_UNA_ESPLORAZIONE_LESSICALE_E_PSICOLOGICA.pdf

Abstract

Le recenti innovazioni nel campo delle tecnologie digitali combinano intelligenza artificiale, tecnologie dell’informazione e neurotecnologie, garantendo elevate presta-zioni (seppur non esenti da errori) in ambiti tradizionalmente di competenza umana, avvicinandosi a una capacità sempre più raffinata di apprendere dall’esperienza e risolvere problemi in autonomia. Nella prima parte, vengono esplorate le principali dimensioni dell’intelligenza artificiale, come il machine learning, il deep learning e la questione del prestito concettuale, per cui una nuova disciplina sviluppa il proprio vocabolario tecnico appropriandosi di termini provenienti da discipline affini. Nella seconda parte, si analizzano le principali dimensioni dell’intelligenza umana, come l’apprendimento e la comprensione, evidenziando le differenze lessicali, funzionali e strutturali: queste due funzioni dell’intelligenza umana non sono processi distinti, ma interconnessi e iterativi. Infine, viene sottolineata la necessità per la psi-cologia di impegnarsi in due dibattiti. Il primo, mira a promuovere una comprensione critica delle capacità dell’IA attraverso programmi educativi che integrino conoscenze psicologiche e informatiche, preparando le future generazioni a un uso consapevole ed etico di tali tecnologie. Il secondo, riguardante l’analisi etica e normativa, si realizza attraverso la collaborazione con esperti di etica e legislazione per sviluppare linee guida e regolamenti che assicurino un utilizzo responsabile dell’IA, prevenendo abusi e salvaguardando i diritti umani.

Human intelligence and Artificial Intelligence: a lexical and psychological exploration

Keywords: Conceptual borrowing, human intelligence, artificial intelligence, comprehension, learning

Abstract

Recent innovations in the field of digital technologies integrate artificial intelligence, information technologies, and neurotechnologies, ensuring high performance (albeit not without errors) in traditionally human domains, approaching an increasingly refined ability to learn from experience and autonomously solve problems. The first part explores the principal dimensions of artificial intelligence, such as machine learning, deep learning, and the issue of conceptual borrowing, wherein a new discipline develops its technical vocabulary by appropriating terms from related fields. The second part analyzes the key dimensions of human intelligence, such as learning and comprehension, highlighting lexical, functional, and structural differences: these two functions of human intelligence are not distinct processes but interconnected and iterative. Finally, the necessity for psychology to engage in two key debates is emphasized. The first aims to promote a critical understanding of AI capabilities through educational programs that integrate psychological and computational knowledge, preparing future generations for a conscious and ethical use of such technologies. The second, concerning ethical and regulatory analysis, involves collaboration with experts in ethics and legislation to develop guidelines and regulations that ensure responsible AI usage, prevent abuses, and safeguard human rights.