A unique gathering of scholars at the J. Willard Marriott Library is exploring the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and the humanities this summer.
The Humanities Perspectives on Artificial Intelligence Summer Institute, led by Lizzie Callaway and Rebekah Cummings, has brought together a diverse group of scholars from various fields to engage in discussions about the ethical implications of AI technology.
Callaway, assistant professor of English, expressed excitement about the opportunity to interact with accomplished researchers from across the country, noting the extensive variety of perspectives they bring.
“One of the things I’m most excited about is interacting with all these extremely accomplished scholars from all over the country,” she said during a lunch break on the second day of the institute.
With over 120 applications received, the selected participants include 27 higher education faculty and 3 high school teachers, united by their interest in understanding the complexities of AI in contemporary society.
Jared McCormick, a clinical assistant professor from New York University, shared his motivation for attending, emphasizing the importance of gathering with a diverse group to discuss the dual nature of AI technologies.
The institute aims to equip educators with the knowledge and skills necessary to address the myriad ways their students engage with AI.
For Kody Partridge, an instructor from Rowland Hall in Salt Lake City, the institute offers an invaluable opportunity to enhance her understanding of AI.
“I wanted to be more fluent about this technology and speak to the issues that my students will need to grapple with,” Partridge remarked, highlighting the program’s blend of expert-led presentations and hands-on experiences.
Despite the enthusiasm surrounding the institute, its organization faced significant challenges leading up to the event.
After being awarded a Summer Institute grant from the National Endowment of Humanities (NEH) last August, the program was abruptly thrown into uncertainty on April 2nd when many NEH grants were cancelled, including Callaway and Cummings’s.
Nevertheless, a generous outpouring of support ensured the program could continue.
“Marriott Library reached out with a substantial donation,” Cummings stated, noting immediate support from various organizations, including BYU Digital Humanities and the Tanner Humanities Center.
This collaborative spirit highlights the community’s commitment to advancing discussions around responsible AI.
The institute’s rich agenda features a variety of sessions, including a discussion of Kurt Vonnegut’s short story EPICAC and field trips to notable locations such as Kennecott’s copper mine and Adobe’s Utah campus.
Brian Carroll, a communication professor from Berry College in Georgia, emphasized the transformative potential of institutes like this one in shaping scholarly pursuits and fostering innovative teaching approaches.
Participants are engaged in deep discussions about pressing issues such as ethical AI use in K-12 education, the embedding of metadata in products by software companies, and the environmental implications of AI’s physical infrastructure.
Katherine Harris, a professor at San Jose State University with experience in digital humanities, expressed concerns about the rush into AI in higher education.
Her perspective echoes a critical view of administrative decisions influenced by the tech industry’s pressure to adopt AI without fully considering its implications.
Nonetheless, Harris also recognizes the potential positive applications of AI, particularly in her current project analyzing the notion of “beauty” in 19th century literature about the British Empire and India.
This research aims to shed light on historical narratives and the complexities within colonial relationships, blending technology with a purpose that transcends profit.
Cummings and Callaway remain focused on ensuring the institute addresses future challenges.
Their goal is not just critical examination of AI systems but also to inspire solutions that can positively impact society.
“Humanists get a bad rap for being overly critical,” Callaway joked, while acknowledging the importance of balancing critique with constructive engagement.
Both scholars aspire to maximize the benefits of AI while minimizing its potential harms.
One significant area of interest for them is reforming Section 230, which protects social media platforms from liability for user-generated content.
Callaway advocates that as algorithms actively shape and amplify certain types of content, this protection should be reconsidered.
Cummings shared an example illustrating how algorithms can prioritize consensus-driven content, which could, in theory, foster a healthier digital landscape.
The institute will culminate in a public panel discussion co-sponsored with the One-U Responsible AI (RAI) Initiative on July 25th, featuring panelists who will engage in critical discussions about the future of AI in society.
This event will be held in the Marriott Library Gould Auditorium and streamed live, welcoming participation from both the university community and the public.
As the scholars gather for this dynamic exploration of AI through a humanities lens, their collaborative efforts embody a commitment to fostering responsible and ethical use of technology in contemporary society.
image source from：attheu
