The Dawn of Agency: Differentiating Agentic AI from Traditional AI

Artificial intelligence has transitioned from a futuristic concept to a tangible force reshaping industries and daily life. However, within this rapidly evolving field, a critical distinction is emerging between traditional AI and a more advanced form known as agentic AI. While traditional AI excels at performing specific tasks based on predefined rules and explicit instructions, agentic AI represents a paradigm shift towards autonomous, proactive systems capable of setting goals, making decisions, and adapting to dynamic environments. This essay will explore the fundamental differences between these two types of AI, delving into their capabilities, limitations, and potential impact, while also providing a list of free resources for further exploration.