AI and the Ends of Humanity

• Abstracts and Biographies
• Conference Schedule
• Presenters

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; john.pittard@yale.edu; kathryn.tanner@yale.edu

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 February 20 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, the Yale Humanities Division, the Yale Department of Religious Studies, and the Provost’s Fund for AI Innovation.

Background photo by Jr Korpa on Unsplash. Conference poster graphic by Karin Krochmal Graphic Design