Louis Vervoort to speak on 'Are AI-based Consciousness and Ethical Robots Possible?'

On March 30, 2023 Louis Vervoort, Associate Professor at the School of Philosophy and Cultural Studies, PhD, University of Montreal, will speak on 'Are AI-based consciousness and ethical robots possible?'.

Abstract:

Can future robots and artificial-intelligence (AI) systems have consciousness and genuinely human intelligence -- or even superhuman intelligence? Is it possible for them to behave ethically? In this talk I will look at these questions from the point of view of philosophy of mind and AI, and argue that these questions are related: I believe their answer hinges on the same condition. Starting from an analysis of the concepts of consciousness and free will, both studied extensively in philosophy of mind, I will argue that the key capacity that computers and robots should possess in order to emulate human cognition and (ethical) consciousness is the capacity to learn and apply “coherent webs-of-theories". I conjecture that where classic AI has been, in essence, “data-driven", the greatest leap forward would be “theory-driven" AI. I will review work in deep learning and cognitive neuroscience to back up this claim.

The event will be held online via Zoom.

Working language: English

Start time: 16:00

If you plan to take part in the event, you need to register, please contact aicenter@hse.ru.