Artificial Intelligence is simply the scientific method specified precisely enough that it can be implemented by a computer.
No it isn't. The scientific method is something along these lines:
To be termed scientific, a method of inquiry must be based on gathering observable, empirical and measurable evidence subject to specific principles of reasoning.[2] A scientific method consists of the collection of data through observation and experimentation, and the formulation and testing of hypotheses.[3])
An AI does not need to limit itself to a scientific method by way of compensation for human weaknesses. Which isn't to say that "Equate AI with science. Yay science! Yay AI!" isn't an effective marketing approach.
A week ago I made a pitch for the Singularity Institute to a crowd of interested potential donors, along with a number of leaders of other non-profit organizations with relatively radical and innovative goals. The videos are here, and should be a good introduction to a significant part of the noosphere for people not yet familiar with it.