[randomdata]

According to the dictionary, godfather is defined as: "a man who is influential or pioneering in a movement or organization"

Are these prominent AI researches not seen as being prominent exactly because they influenced movement in relation to AI?

[peterth3]

That’s definition #2 with #1 being:

> a man who presents a child at baptism and promises to take responsibility for their religious education.

So, the original definition is a gendered and religious term.

Sounds silly to me. Especially in this context.

[randomdata]

Clearly #1 has no applicability here and the intent is to convey #2, which is quite apt. Words have multiple meanings. Such is life.