This event launches CHESS AI Week: Exploring Artificial Intelligence Across the Humanities & Earth and Social Sciences

Featuring Sylvester A. Johnson, Ph.D. (Northwestern University); Register

In this talk, Sylvester Johnson, Ph.D. will examine the global dimensions of technology innovation to explain the future intersection of AI and human engineering. The rise of artificial intelligence in the form of generative AI is demonstrating the ability of machine intelligence to transform virtually every aspect of our global society. Intelligent machines can now assist in diagnosing disease, tutoring students in advanced subjects, and even discovering new research insights across multiple fields of study. At the same time, advances in genomic research and genetic engineering are yielding extraordinary possibilities in health care and biotech. There is every indication that these areas of technology innovation will not only continue their advance but also intersect to create unprecedented opportunities and challenges.  

From eradicating genetic diseases to augmenting human cognition and creativity, the fusion of AI and genetic engineering holds the promise to elevate humanity to new heights. These changes also threaten to upturn fundamental assumptions about humanity and the environment. Drawing on his experience as a human-centered technologist and founding CEO of a public benefit company, Johnson will suggest a possible way forward for governing the uncertain future of a technological society.

The session includes a Q&A. Come ponder questions like, What is the future of humanity in a world shaped machine intelligence and genetically engineered humans? How is innovation blurring the boundary between the natural and the artificial? What will become of the massive wealth that technology might create? As our global society evolves beneath the weight of god-like technology and fragile social institutions, how will we govern the ethical future of technology?   

Sylvester A. Johnson, Ph.D.  (Northwestern University) is co-founder and CEO of the Corporation for Public Interest Technology. Working at the intersection of technology and humanities, he is also a faculty member in the Department of Black Studies at Northwestern  University. He previously served as Associate Vice Provost for Public Interest Technology and Director of the Center for Humanities at Virginia Tech, where he was a faculty member in the Department of Religion and Culture. Sylvester also served as Executive Director of the Tech for Humanity initiative at Virginia Tech. Read more about Dr. Johnson. 

Monday, Oct. 20; 6 p.m., with a reception at 5 p.m.,  J. Murrey Atkins Library, Halton Reading Room