Is AI Sentient? | Prof. Jordan Wales
Professor Jordan Wales explores the evolution of AI from symbolic to statistical methods, highlighting the capabilities and limitations of modern AI systems. It delves into the concept of personhood, tracing its origins from classical times through...
August 8, 2024
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August 8, 2024
Is AI Sentient? | Prof. Jordan Wales
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The Thomistic Institute Episodes Around August 8, 2024
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Is AI Sentient? | Prof. Jordan Wales
Summary
<p>Professor Jordan Wales explores the evolution of AI from symbolic to statistical methods, highlighting the capabilities and limitations of modern AI systems. It delves into the concept of personhood, tracing its origins from classical times through Christian theology to modern interpretations, and argues that current AI lacks the consciousness and interiority necessary for true personhood. He concludes by examining behaviorist approaches to AI and intelligence, warning against redefining human consciousness solely in terms of observable behavior.</p><p><br /></p><p>This lecture was given on February 29th, 2024, at Ohio State University.</p><p><br /></p><p>For more information on upcoming events, visit us at <a href="https://thomisticinstitute.org/upcoming-events." target="_blank">thomisticinstitute.org/upcoming-events</a></p><p><br /></p><p>About the Speaker:</p><p><br /></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Jordan Wales is Associate Professor and John and Helen Kuczmarski Chair in Theology at Hillsdale College, where he teaches historical theology. His scholarship—appearing in journals such as </span><em style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Augustinian Studies</em><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">, the </span><em style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Journal of Moral Theology</em><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">, and </span><em style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">AI & Society</em><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">—focuses on early Christianity as well as theology and Artificial Intelligence. Holding degrees in Engineering (B.S.), Cognitive Science (M.Sc.), and Theology (Dip.Theol., M.T.S., Ph.D.), he is a member of the AI Research Group for the Centre for Digital Culture, under the Dicastery of Culture and Education at the Holy See; a fellow of the International Society for Science and Religion; and a fellow of the Centre for Humanity and the Common Good.</span></p>