The Institute for the History and Philosophy of Science and Technology (IHPST) and the Schwartz Reisman Institute for Technology and Society (SRI) are joining forces to present thought-provoking talks that explore the multifaceted ethical dimensions of artificial intelligence (AI). This collaboration promises to offer valuable insights from leading experts in the field, addressing critical issues surrounding AI technologies. The two sessions of IHPST Winter 2025 Research Seminars, organized by Professor Karina Vold, are part of the SRI Seminars Programming for 2025 which will highlight groundbreaking research in AI.
February 12, 2025: “Artificial intelligence benchmarks and degenerating research” with Catherine Stinson
The first in-person event of the semester will take place on February 12, 2025, at the Rotman School of Management. This session will feature Catherine Stinson, Queen’s National Scholar in the Philosophical Implications of AI. Stinson will explore the rise of benchmark datasets like ImageNet in deep learning, highlighting their role in AI progress and the ethical and epistemic concerns of "benchmark chasing."
March 19, 2025: “Decisions, decisions, decisions: A value-based account of the attention economy” with Joshua August Skorburg
The second event in the series will occur on March 19, 2025, featuring Joshua August (Gus) Skorburg, an associate professor at the University of Guelph and co-director of CARE-AI. Skorburg will discuss a proposal of a valuationist framework to analyze the attention economy, offering a more empirically grounded alternative to prevailing addiction-based models, arguing that attention and self-control are shaped by value representations, not irresistible urges, allowing for choice while explaining the pull of digital distractions.
By bringing together experts from diverse fields, the IHPST and SRI seminar series seek to foster meaningful discussions on the ethical challenges posed by AI, encouraging responsible and informed advancements in technology.
Please note that sandwiches, pastries, and beverages will be provided. Both sessions will be available as hybrid events. You can register for each event using the links provided above to attend online or in person.
For more information about the SRI Seminars visit their events page and read “Upcoming SRI Seminars showcase new insights on cutting-edge AI research.”