Artificial intelligence has the potential to liberate our brains from all tedious tasks\, to predigest complex information\, so that only the finest human intelligence is employed. In this scenario\, not only A.I. gets smarter\, but humans too. \;
\nA.I. conversely could \;deal human intelligence a death blow\, especially where it has arguably lost most of its agency: in already semi-automated factories\, on media where information has already been commodified\, or on financial markets where algorithms are already making most decisions. People would not be smart enough for today's tasks\, and their intelligence would be unsolicited\, if not undesirable.
\nWhich of these two scenarios seems the more likely? And what are evidences gathered so far to demonstrate it?
\nIn order to provide some answers to these questions\, our panelists will take a step back and investigate the broader impact that the economy\, industrialisation\, and technology has on human intelligence. Is it possible to measure the evolution of human intelligence in recent history? Has industrialisation made all of us smarter\, or has it only created a new intellectual elite? Many groups and institutions have a vested interest in artificial intelligence\, but who has one for human intelligence: governments\, tech companies\, universities\, or possibly NGOs? \;
\nWe are very excited to have three distinguished panelists to discuss the topic: \;
\n- \;Robert J. Sawyer: Science Fiction Writer. \;The New York Times \;calls Robert "a writer of boundless confidence and bold scientific extrapolation". \; \;
\n- \;Shane Saunderson: VP\, IC/things. Shane's goal in life is to make the world around him smarter &ndash\; humans and technology. \;
\n- \;Steve G. Hoffman: \;Assistant Professor of Sociology\, University of Toronto. Steve&rsquo\;s research focuses on the cultural politics of knowledge production. He sometimes wonders why artificial intelligence scientists are not better at modelling natural stupidity\, but has yet to write a paper on the topic clever enough to warrant sharing.
\nPlease join us for this lively and inter-disciplinary discussion on human and artificial intelligence! \; \;
\nDoors of our host \;Idea Couture \;will open at 6.30 and the discussion will start at 7pm sharp.
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