The discussion revolves around defining what constitutes an 'AI agent.' One user challenges the current framework by suggesting that an AI setup under specific roles could still be considered an assistant rather than a true agent. Another perspective emphasizes that an AI agent should have the ability to act independently, sense the effects of its actions, and respond accordingly, creating a feedback loop that doesn't require human intervention. The conversation includes a distinction between basic AI tools like ChatGPT and more advanced AI agents that can interact with the world and learn from their actions.