This event is a part of Faculty of Arts: Celebrating 100 Years

Information about Artificial Intelligence (AI) is everywhere, but the knowledge to navigate the AI revolution is less plentiful. We know that AI is transformative. Applications in medicine are poised to save lives. Elsewhere, AI promises to automate repetitive tasks and help with problem-solving. But just as it holds great promise, there are ethical dilemmas, threats to jobs, and privacy concerns, among many other issues. How do we make sense of it all?

Join us to explore the way forward with three experts from the Faculty of Arts.

 

 

 

Featured speakers:

Mark Humphries is a Professor of History at Laurier. He has published numerous books and articles in Canadian history, public health, and the First World War. Mark has been programming since he was a kid and using machine learning and digital methods for nearly two decades. Since the autumn of 2022 he’s become interested in the practical application of Large Language Models to historical research and has recently been releasing software tools to explore how historians and other researchers can use artificial intelligence in their work, some of which are already in use at major archives. His work on LLMs has been featured on podcasts, magazines, and newspapers. Mark publishes a free Substack called Generative History at generativehistory.substack.com. Mark is also a double Laurier alumnus, holding Honours Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees in History from Laurier.

 

Jason Shim is the Chief Digital Officer for the Canadian Centre for Nonprofit Digital Resilience (CCNDR). In this role, he drives initiatives that empower nonprofits across Canada to use data and technology to amplify their missions. He is a visionary leader in digital strategy, dedicated to leveraging technology for social good. Jason also serves as an editor for Ledger, an academic journal focused on blockchain research, and previously served on the board of NTEN, promoting the skillful use of technology. Jason is a proud Laurier alumnus, holding a Bachelor of Arts in Religion and Culture.

 

Byron Williston is a Professor of Philosophy at Laurier. He has published widely on the history of modern philosophy, ethics, and Heidegger’s philosophy of technology, among other topics. He is the author or editor of several books on the climate crisis, including The Ethics of Climate Change: An Introduction; Environmental Ethics for Canadians; and Philosophy and the Climate Crisis: How the Past Can Save the Present. His current work is on various aspects of the philosophy of digital technology.