In this lecture, I’m going to talk about three things. First, we will consider the basics of Artificial Intelligence so that everyone is roughly on the same page in reference to key terms, concepts, and issues. Second, we will take a look at some of the promising benefits and potential harms that such new technologies will bring to humanity. When we consider just a few of the ways in which AI technology will improve our lives, we are optimistically encouraged to see how these will unfold. From medical miracles to advancements in education, and increases in efficiency and automation, to wondrous new scientific discoveries, the future of AI technologies holds almost limitless potential. But at the same time, it’s important to realize that there are ways in which AI could present risks and generate harm – either intentionally or unintentionally. And finally, we’ll take a look at what you, the public, can do to help mitigate the risks of AI. When we use critical thinking and ethical reasoning to consider the potential benefits and harms of AI, we are much more empowered to discuss how we want these new forms of technologies to affect our lives as we move into the uncertain future. 

With advances in technology involving the increasingly rapid transfer of information throughout the world, it has become more difficult to determine what is legitimate news or information, from what is fake news. Luckily, to be able to confidently make such distinctions, we can empower ourselves with the skills involved in critical thinking. These tools provide us with the ability to analyze information, understand the importance of bias and context, consider what counts as evidence, and be able to identify fallacies or errors in reasoning. Anyone can learn and use these skills. This lecture will empower you to become a better, more critical thinker in a ‘Post-Truth’ World.

There has never been a time in history when we have seen such a proliferation of false information in the form of misinformation or worse, disinformation and conspiracy theories. But why? And why now? And why so many? And why are some either coming from or being endorsed by US Presidents as well as other world leaders? Unlike any other time in history, we are inundated with information from many sources of media. And we are racing to catch up to what is reliable, dependable, and true – all the while, feeling deep, emotional, attachments to our personal understanding of important issues. The skill set of Critical Thinking allows us to be empowered and inoculated against such bogus claims while at the same time, providing us with the cognitive compassion to communicate effectively with those who have fallen prey to such ideas. Over time, it is possible to have more meaningful dialogue about any issue with anyone – yes, even conspiracy theorists. And ultimately, this is what we want to be able to do with greater success – because the people with whom we disagree could be our brothers and sisters, or parents, or kids, or neighbours, or anybody.

In this light-hearted talk, we shall examine some of the foundational concepts in the branch of Philosophy called Ethics. We shall consider some thought experiments or ‘What would you do?’ scenarios which pose some stark, yet humorous ethical dilemmas and challenge us to carefully consider how we might act. We will also consider the ethical theories of various philosophers throughout history to see how their theories apply to such dilemmas. And finally, we will consider to what extent other animal species practice ethical codes of conduct.