Cracking the Code : Consciousness and AI, a conference at DVIC

In mid-October, the De Vinci Innovation Center (DVIC) hosted a discussion that delved into the mysteries of Artificial Intelligence. Titled “Understanding Consciousness and AI,” the event brought together personalities from neuroscience and data science.

Organized by Creative Valley (Creative Cluster), the University of Chicago, and the Institute of Future Technologies (IFT), the event encouraged reflection through lively discussions that captivated the audience throughout the day.

The speakers’ contributions, Prof. Peggy Mason, Dr. Clément Duhart and Nikolaj Groeneweg, left participants contemplating the complex relationship between consciousness and AI.

Démystifier la complexité de l’IA et de la conscience

Generative AI technologies, such as ChatGPT and others, have already permeated various aspects of our lives, revolutionizing how we work and interact with technology.

Despite their widespread use, there remain fundamental questions that professionals often need help to address. Questions like “What is AI?” and “Does Artificial Intelligence exist?” inevitably lead to broader inquiries about intelligence and consciousness.

The speakers claimed to have only some answers during the roundtable discussion. Still, they indeed shed light on the complexities of the subject.

The heart of the debate was the presentation of the latest findings from research in neuroscience and data science. These two seemingly disparate disciplines intersect in fascinating ways.

Three speakers have different perspectives on AI at DVIC

Moderated by Vitaly Charushin, a member of the advisory board of Creative Valley (Creative Cluster), who advocates for interdisciplinary research, the roundtable discussion progressed with the participation of:

• Clément Duhart: Director of the Institute for Future Technologies, established in 2019, provided insights into the latest advancements in AI and its potential impact on the future.
• Peggy Mason, a highly respected figure in the field of neurobiology, holding a degree in neuroscience from Harvard, contributed to the discussion by offering a neuroscientific perspective.
• Nikolaj Groeneweg: Entrepreneur and machine learning expert with extensive experience on three continents, brought a global perspective to the topic.

Exploring Consciousness and AI

Throughout the event, the speakers addressed various intriguing topics, including the possibility of identifying and locating the critical features of consciousness in the brain.

Peggy Mason, leveraging her expertise in neurobiology, emphasized the importance of understanding the brain’s role in consciousness. She explained how AI, while capable of performing advanced tasks, lacks the underlying processes of the human conscious mind.

Clément Duhart provided insights into the research initiatives of the Institute for Future Technologies and their exploration of AI’s potential. He raised questions about the ethical implications of AI and its impact on society.

Nikolaj Groeneweg bridged the gap between theory and practical applications, highlighting the challenges of implementing AI and machine learning technologies, especially in diverse cultural contexts.

Updates and announcements regarding this event are forthcoming.

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