

AI and the Ends of Humanity
The advent of increasingly sophisticated and potentially autonomous forms of artificial intelligence poses a challenge to understandings of the human place in the cosmos in ways perhaps as profound as the Copernican Revolution. And while artificial general intelligence is not yet and may never be a reality, digital technologies are already introducing powerful new possibilities for deception, surveillance, and bias, exacerbating polarization, and changing the meaning of intimacy, care, creativity, and work. This conference brings together theologians, ethicists and philosophers of religion to reflect on the profound ways in which AI is transforming our sense of selfhood and agency, our interpersonal relationships, and our societies. How is the Spirit at work in this new thing? And how can we ensure that digital technologies serve a more flourishing human and creaturely future?
Conference organizers: jennifer.herdt@yale.edu (link sends e-mail); john.pittard@yale.edu (link sends e-mail); kathryn.tanner@yale.edu (link sends e-mail)
Keynote speakers:
- Paul Scherz, Our Lady of Guadalupe Professor of Theology, University of Notre Dame
- William Schweiker, Edward L. Ryerson Distinguished Service Professor of Theological Ethics, University of Chicago
- Manuel Vargas, Professor of Philosophy, University of California San Diego
Lodging:
Room blocks are available at local hotels. Reserve your room by March 6 to insure availability.
Call for Papers
Alongside invited faculty talks, the conference will feature a graduate student panel. Applications are welcomed from theologians, ethicists, and/or philosophers of religion addressing the conference themes. The conference registration fee will be waived for graduate student panelists.
The Call for Papers is now closed.
Abstract submission (500 words) deadline: September 15, 2024
Acceptance notification date: October 15, 2024
Sponsors
Co-sponsored by the Yale Digital Ethics Center (link is external), the Yale Humanities Division (link is external), the Yale Department of Religious Studies (link is external), and the Provost’s Fund for AI Innovation (link is external).
Background photo by Jr Korpa (link is external) on Unsplash (link is external). Conference poster graphic by Karin Krochmal (link sends e-mail) Graphic Design