In the history of artificial intelligence (AI), who is widely regarded as the 'father of AI' for coining the term, organizing the 1956 Dartmouth Conference, and advancing foundational research?

Introduction / Context:
When students learn about the origins of artificial intelligence, one name consistently stands out because of his decisive role in naming the field, convening the seminal conference that launched it, and contributing core ideas for decades. Identifying the 'father of AI' tests knowledge of AI's early history, key personalities, and the institutional milestones that shaped the discipline we study today.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The question asks for the individual most commonly credited as the 'father of AI.'
• We consider contributions such as coining the term 'artificial intelligence,' organizing foundational meetings, and sustained research impact.
• Famous early researchers include John McCarthy, Allen Newell, and others often mentioned in introductory AI histories.

Concept / Approach:

Historical consensus in academic texts attributes the title 'father of AI' primarily to John McCarthy. He coined the term 'artificial intelligence' and, with colleagues, organized the 1956 Dartmouth Conference, generally cited as AI's birth event. McCarthy later contributed to Lisp, time-sharing, and formal reasoning—pillars that influenced AI programming and theory for decades.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

Introductory AI courses and standard references repeatedly identify McCarthy as the person who coined 'AI' and led the Dartmouth proposal. This external corroboration aligns with the discipline's collective memory and published histories.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Fisher Ada: Not an AI pioneer; likely a confusion with Ada Lovelace from early computing history.

Allen Newell: Major pioneer who, with Simon, developed logic theorist/GPs, but did not coin the term 'AI' nor organize Dartmouth.

Alan Turning: Misspelling of Alan Turing; crucial to computing and machine intelligence concepts but not the specific 'father of AI' designation.

None of the above: Incorrect because John McCarthy is the accepted answer.

Common Pitfalls:

Confusing foundational computing figures (Turing, Lovelace) with those who formally established AI as a field; overlooking Dartmouth 1956's centrality.

Final Answer:

John McCarthy