On the Border Between Biological and Artificial Intelligence

The event will focus on some of the fundamental questions related to artificial intelligence in our society: in what sense are these algorithms “intelligent”? How could we define criteria for attributing a “conscience” to machines and rights and responsibilities?

The event is organized by the Interdisciplinary Group on Science, Technology and Society (GI-STS) of the Pisa CNR Research Area, with the patronage of Scuola Normale Superiore (SNS) and the support of LESGO project. The event will be coordinated by Valentina Tozzini from Cnr Nano.

Abstract:

The emergence of advanced artificial intelligence applications has brought to the forefront questions that involve the fundamentals of the relationship between science, technology, and society: in what sense are these algorithms "intelligent"? How could we define criteria for attributing "consciousness" to machines and - along with it - rights and responsibilities? Professor Giorgio Ascoli will present the functional principles of biological nervous systems, such as the human brain, which have inspired the algorithms of so-called "Deep Learning" neural networks underlying ChatGPT & Co., highlighting crucial analogies and differences. Dr. Daniela Tafani will analyze issues related to the dissemination of machine learning systems and artificial intelligence products, such as the responsibility for the effects of such products, and the emergence of a family of narratives concerning the principle of technological inevitability, the anthropomorphism of machines, the correlated dehumanization of individuals, as well as the belief that the future of individual people is already written and legible.

Program:

Chair Valentina Tozzini (Cnr Nano, GI-STS)

15:30 Institutional greetings and introduction
Francesco Raimondi (SNS)
Lucia Billeci (Cnr Ifc, GI-STS)

16:00 Artificial Intelligence and Natural Brains: similarities, differences, and why it is important to understand them
Giorgio Ascoli - Bioengineering Department, College of Engineering & Computing, George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia (USA)

16:30 Artificial intelligence, magical thinking and cultural capture
Daniela Tafani - Department of Political Science, University of Pisa

17:00 Discussion.

How to Attend the Seminar:

The meeting will take place in the Azzurra Hall of Scuola Normale Superiore, Piazza dei Cavalieri 7, Pisa.

You can also participate in the event remotely, using the following link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83659242828?pwd=QnBlK1NkZkVQQ2NYcVZWNy9KeGdqUT09

Link to the official flyer (in Italian) : http://gists.pi.cnr.it/Events/2023_09_20_Pisa/2023_09_20_GI-STS.pdf