Augustana University is excited to host Dr. David Chalmers, renowned philosopher and cognitive scientist, for a lecture entitled “Can ChatGPT Think?” on Tuesday, April 29, at 5:30 p.m. in the Froiland Science Complex, Room 113. This free public event will complete Chlamers’ tour of all 50 states.
“Generative AI systems, such as ChatGPT, and its many relatives have taken the world by storm. They show many impressive abilities that would require intelligence if done by humans. But, is ChatGPT really intelligent? Can it understand what it says? Is it conscious? Can it think? These are difficult questions that require philosophical analysis. I will address some aspects of these questions here,” said Chalmers.
Chalmers is a professor of philosophy and neural science, as well as the co-director of the Center for Mind, Brain and Consciousness at New York University (NYU). He is also an honorary professor of philosophy at the Australian National University and co-director of the PhilPapers Foundation.
Chalmers publishes on philosophy of mind, consciousness and the foundations of cognitive science, physics and technology, among many other areas. His newest book Reality+: Virtual Worlds and the Problems of Philosophy investigates fundamental problems of philosophy in the context of today's new augmented and virtual reality technologies.
This public lecture is the finale in a series of events intended to raise awareness about the brain throughout the month of April. “Every week in April is Brain Awareness Week in Sioux Falls” kicked off with “Brain Demo Night” at the Washington Pavillion on April 4. As part of the all-ages event, visitors were able to build their own neurons, hear the sound of cricket synapses firing and even had the opportunity to interact with real brains.
The Augustana Neuroscience Program also joined Sioux Falls Science Pub at Severance Brewing in Sioux Falls on April 8 to chat about "Music and the Brain" with Augustana Assistant Professor of Psychology Dr. Shannon Proksch.
Most recently, the series celebrated the brain with the local community for two events. Hosted by Augustana Associate Professor of Biology Dr. Alex Kloth, “Brain Trivia Night” was held at Full Circle Book Coop in Sioux Falls on April 14. On April 19, AU neuroscientists Kloth, Proksch and Dr. Missy Fraser, Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) Program coordinator of clinical education, participated in the panel discussion "I'm a Neuroscientist. Ask Me Anything!" also at the coop.
Chalmers’ visit is generously supported by the Augustana Mellon Fund, South Dakota Biomedical Research Infrastructure Network, International Brain Research Organization and a collaboration between the Augustana University Neuroscience Program, as well as the Augustana Biology, Psychology and Religion, Philosophy & Classics Departments.