Humans and AI: Similarities and Differences (May 18)
Description
Artificial neural networks can do amazing things. They can play chess, recognize faces, predict human behavior, learn language, and create art. Natural neural networks -- that is to say, brains -- can do many of the same things, often a little more clumsily. But, unlike artificial networks, they can switch seamlessly between two tasks, learn to perform them without supervision, and even refuse to do what they are told. Brains provided the initial inspiration for the artificial networks, which is why we call them “artificial neural networks.” But how deep are the similarities between the two? Do they share more than a few abilities, a similar structure, and a common nomenclature? More generally, to what extent can we use them to understand each other? After clarifying these questions, I will describe some of the ways we might try to answer them. (Offered in the morning and afternoon on May 18.)
About the Faculty Lead
Dr. John Morrison joined the philosophy department in 2009. He is currently working on two projects. The first is about the best way to understand the brain. In particular, he would like to identify general principles for attributing representations and inferences to it, especially when those representations and inferences involve probabilities. The second project is about the foundations of Spinoza's metaphysics. He hopes to unravel Spinoza's claims about minds, bodies, God, and their essences. Professor Morrison is an affiliate of the neuroscience and behavior department. He is also an affiliate of Columbia's Mind Brain Behavior Institute, and a member of its Center for Theoretical Neuroscience. B.A. Williams College, M.A. University of Pittsburgh, Ph.D. New York University
Registration is Open Now!
Barnard alums (and individuals they invite) and families of current Barnard students can now register for the Spring 2024 Explorers Series — the inaugural Barnard|Next classes. Questions about participation can be addressed to barnardnext@barnard.edu.