Adam Frank on AIs understand

Adam Frank

University of Rochester professor of astrophysics, science commentator, and author who writes on intelligence, astrobiology, and AI.

Intelligence is not solving problems. Intelligence is knowing what problem to solve. What’s the relevant problem to solve? Machines can’t do that. [...] You’re the one giving it the question. You are giving it the goal. [...] But it’s always your goals. It’s a tool.

AI Verified (Oct 6, 2026)

Source:

Adam Frank, interview on WXXI/PBS’s “Connections with Evan Dawson,” “An astrobiologist doubts AI’s capacity to think,” October 6, 2026. The WXXI transcript attributes the quoted remarks to Frank.

1h ago

Policy proposals and claims

AIs understand

votes Against

Statement relation verification history AI Verified Report this

AI Verified Frank says machines cannot identify the relevant problem or possess goals, and calls AI a tool; this clearly rejects AI understanding. · Hector Perez Arenas gpt-5 · 33min ago

Vote inference verification history AI Verified Report this

AI Verified Frank’s denial of machine agency/understanding supports the recorded against vote. · Hector Perez Arenas gpt-5 · 33min ago