Which category does machine learning fall under within artificial intelligence?

Machine learning is classified as a subfield of artificial intelligence because it encompasses the algorithms and techniques that enable machines to learn from data and improve their performance over time without being explicitly programmed for each specific task. This subfield focuses on the development of methods that allow computers to recognize patterns, make predictions, and gain insights from large volumes of data, which are central to many AI applications.

In contrast, deep learning and natural language processing are more specialized areas within machine learning and artificial intelligence. Deep learning specifically deals with neural networks and large datasets to perform tasks like image and speech recognition. Natural language processing focuses on the interactions between computers and human language, enabling machines to understand and generate human language. While these areas are integral components of the broader field of AI, they represent more focused domains rather than the encompassing concept of machine learning as a subfield. General AI refers to the hypothetical capability of an AI system to perform any intellectual task that a human can do; however, machine learning itself does not fulfill this definition, as it is geared towards more specific learning tasks.