Current discussions about AI focus on the technological and ethical dimensions, but not the more fundamental questions about human purpose, dignity, and religion. In this panel discussion, we explore perspectives on human flourishing, individual & human purpose, and the relationship between human dignity and artificial intelligence.

Does AI help us or harm us in terms of reflecting on our individual purpose and humanity’s purpose? Is human dignity tied to our capacity for intelligence and if so what are the implications of AI for this? AI has become a topic of broad social conversation. Much of current discussions focus on the technological and ethical dimensions of AI, but not the more fundamental questions about human purpose, dignity, and religion. In this discussion, panelists will provide their perspectives on human flourishing, individual & human purpose, and the relationship between human dignity and artificial intelligence.

Panel event was held Tuesday, November 7, 2023 at Santa Clara University.

This event was sponsored by the Hackworth Fellowship at the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics and was open to the Santa Clara University community.

For more information visit: http://scu.edu/ethics
 
Panelists:
Maya Ackerman, Associate Professor of Computer Science and Engineering at Santa Clara University, and CEO of generative AI startup, WaveAI.

David DeCosse, Director of Religious and Catholic Ethics at the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics

Eric Haynie, Manager of Instructional Technology; Adjunct Lecturer - Religious Studies
 
Moderator:
Laura Clark, 2023-24 Hackworth Fellow with the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics
 
About the Panelists
Maya Ackerman is a world renowned researcher in generative AI, Associate Professor of Computer Science and Engineering at Santa Clara University, and CEO of generative AI startup, WaveAI. A pioneer in the space, Ackerman has been researching generative AI models for text, music and art since 2014. Maya was an early advocate for human-centered generative AI, bringing awareness to the power of AI to profoundly elevate human creativity. Dr. Ackerman has over 50 peer reviewed research publications and her research has been cited in over 1200 publications. Named “Woman of Influence” by the Silicon Valley Business Journal, interviews with Dr. Ackerman appeared on NBC News, Forbes, Music Business Worldwide, New Scientist, NPR, Grammy.com, SiriusXM and international television stations across the globe.

David DeCosse is Director of Religious and Catholic Ethics at the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics at SCU, where he has worked for more than 20 years. He also teaches in the Religious Studies Department and researches and writes in the area of Catholic social ethics. His work has appeared in publications ranging from Theological Studies to the National Catholic Reporter.

Eric Haynie manages the Instructional Technology group at SCU, directing instructional design and technology efforts on campus to support and expand digital pedagogy. He also currently teaches courses on Buddhism in the department of Religious Studies. He received his B.A. in Religious Studies from Occidental College, his M.A. in Religious Studies from the University of Colorado at Boulder, and his Ph.D. in Buddhist Studies from the University of Michigan. Eric’s research explores the assembling of religious tradition in early-modern Tibet, with special focus on inter-sectarian entanglements in the eastern Tibetan region of Kham. He has taught courses on Asian religions, Buddhism, Zen, Tibetan Buddhism, yogins in the Buddhist Himalayas, and Buddhism in the digital age.

Laura Clark (Moderator) is a senior majoring in philosophy and religious studies with an emphasis in ethics and values and a 2023-24 Hackworth Fellow with the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics. Driven by a desire to improve equity, empathy, and community, she seeks to better understand issues of embodiment, human dignity, and human agency. Clark’s interest in the sociological effects of religion and the intersection between religion and personal morality guides her project design.