Are you curious about artificial intelligence (AI) and how it is reshaping our world? Our Deliberative Forum on AI is designed for all of us to deliberate about the important questions posed by the recent breakthroughs in this technology. Whether you’re a computer science expert, a die-hard humanities lover, a doomsayer, a techno-optimist, or just want to learn more about what AI is and how we should live with it going forward, we invite you to join us on Monday, February 5th from 5-7 PM in the Lilly Gallery in person (or via Zoom)!
Who is hosting the Deliberative Forum?
The Deliberative Citizenship Initiative is excited to be co-hosting this event with Davidson’s Office of Technology and Innovation, Computer Science Department, Digital Studies Department and the Bonner Scholars Program.
What can you expect at the Deliberative Forum?
We will have a panel discussion for the first hour of the forum, in which three panelists will discuss what they take to be the most promising and the most concerning aspects of AI today and in the future. Following the panel discussion, participants will have small group discussions that will be facilitated by our DCI Fellows.
Who will be there?
- Damien Williams is Assistant Professor of Philosophy and Data Science at the University of North Carolina – Charlotte. He studies philosophy, comparative religion, magic, artificial intelligence, human physical and mental augmentation, pop culture, and how they all relate. He teaches courses including Modeling and Society, Data and Society and Disability, Technology, and Artificial Intelligence, and much of his research focuses on the relationship between AI and bias as well as AI and consciousness. He has published articles on artificial intelligence in Wired, American Scientist, and the Journal of Responsible Innovation, among other outlets. Dr. Williams earned his PhD in Science, Technology, and Society at Virginia Tech and a Master of Arts in Philosophy and Religious Studies from Georgia State University.
- Lauren Kahn is a Senior Research Analyst at Georgetown University’s Center for Security and Emerging Technology (CSET) focused on national security applications of artificial intelligence. Prior to CSET, she was a Research Fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) within the National Security and Defense and Digital and Cyberspace Policy Programs, where she worked on defense innovation and the impact of emerging technologies on international security, with a particular emphasis on AI. Her work has appeared in outlets including Foreign Affairs, Lawfare, War on the Rocks, AI & Society, and the Journal forConflict Resolution, and has been featured in The Economist. Lauren holds a master’s in computer and information technology and a B.A. in international relations, both from the University of Pennsylvania.
- Richard Boyd is a tech entrepreneur and expert on AI, machine learning, virtual worlds, computer gaming, and human/computer interfaces. He is the co-founder and CEO of AI and machine learning company Tanjo AI, which is dedicated to helping companies and individuals achieve a balance between human and machine effort and intelligence. Richard is also the co-founder and CEO of Ultisim Inc., a simulation learning company that utilizes gaming technology and AI. He works with a wide variety of industries including energy, healthcare, defense, education, and motion pictures, and he has been instrumental in creating several pioneering computer gaming companies including Red Storm Entertainment with author Tom Clancy; iRock Entertainment with Ozzy Osbourne; and Timeline Computer Entertainment with author Michael Crichton.
- Dr. Sara Copic, Assistant Director of the DCI, will be moderating the panel. Dr. Copic specializes in the philosophy of language with a focus on linguistic competence. She is an affiliate researcher of the UNC AI Project, and she will be teaching a WRI 101 course in the spring called, “AI: Its Nature and Significance,” which will focus on the ways large language models work, whether they can understand meaning, how this technology may be socially transformative, and what risks it may pose to humanity.
When and where is it happening?
The forum will take place on February 5, 2024 from 5-7 PM in the Lilly Gallery in Chambers Hall. There will also be a Zoom option.
How do I sign up?
This event is free and open to the public, but registration is required. Sign up here (be sure to indicate if you are attending in person or via Zoom). We hope to see you there!
