Video – Social Robot Futures

“Basically Alive”: Between the Science of A.I. and the…

February 23, 2018September 20, 2021

— Video of talk; written summary of debate by Karen Asp

Divergent perspectives on recent developments in artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics were evident at a public lecture hosted last week (Feb 14, 2018) at the University of King’s College (Halifax). The keynote speaker, Stan Matwin, presented a nuanced, but largely optimistic view of where research in AI is heading, and the value that advances like “deep learning” promise for society. Following Dr. Matwin’s talk, Teresa Heffernan offered some critical commentary, emphasizing how deceptive claims were being used to promote initiatives in the industry, feeding on and reinforcing collective fantasies and delusional thoughts about, for example, the “aliveness” of robots.

Talks/Presentations

We Can’t Look to Technology To Solve Our Problems

November 16, 2017September 20, 2021

— Video

Saint Mary’s University English professor Teresa Heffernan teamed up with Paul Abela of the Department of Philosophy, Acadia University, to argue for the “con” side in a policy debate last month on the implications of AI and robots for the future of society. Stan Matwin (Dalhousie) and Danny Silver (Acadia) defended the pro side. While the pro vs. con structure was simplistic, it generated a dynamic conversation on the “grounds for optimism” compared to “concerns about what the future will bring.” A video of the debate is now available.

Discussion

Humans Need Not Apply: Will Better Tech Make More,…

September 17, 2014September 20, 2021

— Documentary video, with summary by Karen Asp

CPG Grey recently uploaded “Humans Need Not Apply,” a compelling documentary video on the breadth, depth and implications of contemporary workplace automation through developments in AI and robotics. The narrator makes the point that if the history of automation primarily concerned the transformation of physical labour through the invention of “mechanical muscle,” the revolution underway now is characterized by the transformation of intellectual and social labour through AI and robotic mechanization.