Welcome to the Illinois State University AI and the Humanities Symposium, a groundbreaking event at the intersection of artificial intelligence and humanistic inquiry. As we stand at the frontier of technological advancement, this symposium offers a unique platform to explore the profound implications of AI on our understanding of culture, creativity, and the human experience.
The Landscape
Generative artificial intelligence, large language processing models, advanced analytics, reinforced and unsupervised machine learning, and predictive prose are no longer confined to the realms of computer science and engineering. Humanist scholars and educators across disciplines are now grappling with these technologies, initiating crucial conversations about their epistemological, ethical, existential, and pedagogical impact.
Key Questions
Our symposium will address pivotal questions, including:
- How will AI transform humanist research methodologies?
- What is AI’s influence on the creation and reception of creative works across various media?
- How can we theorize artificial intelligence through humanistic frameworks, considering personhood, culture, race, ethnicity, gender, and sexuality?
- What role should the humanities play as tech sectors rapidly innovate, often utilizing our research without explicit consent?
- What are the ethical and legal implications of AI advancements?
- How do we nurture critical thinking, expressive writing, and original analysis in an era of instant, AI-generated content?
- What is the ultimate impact of AI on our humanity?
Ethical Considerations
As we delve into these questions, we must also consider the ethical dimensions of AI in professional and personal contexts. Our discussions will explore:
- The importance of maintaining autonomy in human interactions and decision-making processes.
- The principle of nonmaleficence in AI applications, ensuring we avoid potential harm.
- How beneficence can guide AI development to prioritize human well-being.
- The role of justice in ensuring equitable access and treatment in AI systems.
- The significance of fidelity and veracity in AI-human interactions and AI-generated content.
A Diverse Dialogue
This symposium welcomes voices from across the academic spectrum. We invite proposals from technical writers, philosophers, literary critics, economists, language scholars, anthropologists, publishers, linguists, creative writers, sociologists, historians, artists, educators, and practitioners from any related discipline or interdisciplinary field.
Join us in this critical exploration of AI’s impact on the humanities and our collective future. Together, we will navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by this technological revolution, striving to shape a future where AI and humanistic values coexist and flourish.