IN PERSON: Artificial intelligence has made periodic but fleeting appearances in the press and the public eye over the years, typically in reference to successes at games and game shows (e.g., chess, go, "Jeopardy!"). Now, with the explosive appearance of ChatGPT and similar systems powered by large language models and the stunning outputs of image generators, there is intense interest in how these technologies will affect our daily lives. In this course, we will explore: the different kinds of AI and how they work; a brief history of AI from Alan Turing forward; how both average users and experts are using AI today; the dark (and bright) side of AI; and where AI is headed in the long run as forecast by specialists. Students will learn how current AI developments fit into the larger goal of fully replicating or exceeding human intelligence. We will also look at what some of the projected consequences are — from lives of leisure to job loss to the possible end of humankind. | Lecture + Q&A.
Max enrollment: 45.
Location: Judea Reform Congregation, 1933 W. Cornwallis Rd, Durham NC 27705
