HomeEventsPublic Lecture Series: Dr Steve McKinlay

Public Lecture Series: Dr Steve McKinlay

The Atrium, UCOL, Princess Street, Palmerston North. Starts Tue 31 Oct, 5pm

A photograph of computer code on a screen representing big data and a world of information.

Be prepared to have your thinking challenged

You are invited to hear Dr Steve McKinlay, a Senior Academic at Wellington Institute of Technology (Weltec), share research insights on "AI and Algorithmic Culture: Implications for Freedom and Democracy". 

Advances in artificial intelligence mean human decision making is progressively being delegated to artificially intelligent software.  For example, decisions such as whether or not you should be employed, if you qualify for a loan, what search results you receive, or your likelihood of recovering from a medical procedure are all affected by advances in artificial intelligence.

"Algorithms are increasingly deciding who the winners and losers are"

Daily perceptions, understanding and interactions with our environment and each other are increasingly mediated by algorithms. This emerging 'algorithmic culture', whilst not as dramatic as the threat of self-aware, super intelligent agents assuming control over our lives, is almost as concerning. 

To what extent should we trust such systems?  While the media tends to focus upon privacy issues regarding the use of such software, Dr Steve McKinlay argues that the ethical implications are far more concerning and drive right at the heart of freedom and democracy.

Steve_McKinlay.jpeg

Dr McKinlay's research intersects computing, information technology, ethics and philosphy. He recently presented a paper at Palo Alto's Stanford University on the development of swarm technologies and lethal autonomous weapon systems. Dr McKinlay lectures at Weltec.

Free entry.

RSVP
If you would like to attend, please RSVP by 27 October to rsvp@ucol.ac.nz.

When
31 Oct

Location
The Atrium
UCOL
Princess Street
Palmerston North

Hours
5pm - 6:30pm

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