Yale Explores… Being Human in the Age of Intelligent Machines

October 11, 2018
David Geffen Hall at Lincoln Center
New York, NY

How will advances in artificial intelligence — from smart speakers to personal robots — affect our relationships, emotional well-being, and even our identities as humans? Three Yale professors tackled this and other questions in front of 1,000 alumni, parents, and friends at Lincoln Center on Oct. 11. The event, “Being Human in the Age of Intelligent Machines,” was the fourth in the Yale Explores series, following earlier programs in Boston, Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia.

Professors Shelly Kagan, Laurie Santos, and Brian Scassellati joined in a conversation moderated by Margaret Warner ’71, senior fellow of the Jackson Institute for Global Affairs and former chief global affairs correspondent of PBS NewsHour. The panelists drew on their research in philosophy, psychology, and computer science to discuss the wide-ranging implications of AI. 

In closing remarks, President Peter Salovey highlighted Yale’s role in creating knowledge to solve critical challenges facing the world. “The complexities of developing intelligent machines and understanding the impact of artificial intelligence on society cannot be addressed by one discipline — by one Yale department or by one Yale school,” Salovey said. “Leaders in engineering, sciences, social and behavioral science, humanities, and arts are needed. This is where Yale can play a vital role.”

Co-sponsored by the Association of Yale Alumni (AYA), the Yale Club of New York, Yale.nyc, and numerous alumni shared interest groups, the event began with drinks and hors d’oeuvres in the lobby overlooking Lincoln Center plaza. Then guests moved to David Geffen Hall, where Low Strung, Yale’s all-cello rock ensemble, kicked off the program with classical renditions of favorite rock hits. After the finale of “Living on a Prayer,” Catharine “Cappy” Bond Hill ’85 Ph.D., senior trustee of the Yale Board of Trustees, introduced the panel. The evening ended with another reception. “Engagement zones” set up with each faculty member made it possible to continue the evening’s discussions.

Welcome and Introduction

Catharine Bond Hill ’85 Ph.D.
Senior Trustee, Yale Board of Trustees

Moderator

Margaret Warner ’71
Senior Fellow, Yale Jackson Institute for Global Affairs
Former Chief Global Affairs Correspondent, PBS NewsHour

Faculty

Shelly Kagan
Clark Professor of Philosophy

Laurie Santos
Professor of Psychology

Brian Scassellati
Professor of Computer Science and of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science

Closing Remarks

Peter Salovey ’86 Ph.D.
President and Chris Argyris Professor of Psychology