Atoosa Kasirzadeh - How should we think about AI risk?

Atoosa Kasirzadeh (Carnegie Mellon University)

The Center for Philosophy of Science at the University of Pittsburgh invites you to join us for our Lunch Time Talk. Attend in person at 1117 Cathedral of Learning or visit our live stream on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrRp47ZMXD7NXO3a9Gyh2sg.

LTT:   Atoosa Kasirzadeh

Friday, January 23 @ 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm EST

Title: How should we think about AI risk?

Abstract:

As artificial intelligence (AI) systems become increasingly integrated into the fabric of society, the discourse regarding their risks has fractured into two primary camps: AI Ethics and AI Safety. The former is perceived to focus on immediate societal harms (such as algorithmic bias and transparency), while the latter is perceived to concentrate on long-term, often existential risks from artificial superintelligence. This dichotomy has created a conceptual and practical schism that hinders effective progress. But do these perceptions justify the dichotomy? In this talk, I argue that this dichotomy is a false choice that overlooks profound theoretical and dynamic overlaps. Building on recent work (Kasirzadeh, 2025; Gyevnar & Kasirzadeh, 2025), I present new computational investigations that bridge these perspectives. I then discuss the ramifications of this investigation for conceptualizing and mitigating AI risks going forward.

This talk will be available online:

Zoom:  https://pitt.zoom.us/j/95838205595

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrRp47ZMXD7NXO3a9Gyh2sg