Panel discussion on Buddhism and AI


To register for in-person attendance, please contact pyi.kyaw@ames.ox.ac.uk. Online attendance via Teams. Meeting ID: 354 964 053 222 Passcode: 4Sm2zg66

AI means different things. With current versions based on preprogrammed algorithms, it has seemed (to some commentators) that we humans remain in control. This conclusion has been challenged, however, and the overall picture is set to change more broadly. General Intelligence (at human level capacities) and Superintelligence (above those capacities) occur when machines catch up with (and then far exceed) human abilities across multiple areas of life. Questions arise whether any of these different types of AI threaten Buddhism, and religion; or whether Buddhism and AI will be satisfyingly compatible; or whether Buddhism and other traditions can defend us against the excesses of machine thinking. Could AI even develop forms of life, recognisable from a Buddhist perspective? All these will be considered by our panel of philosophers and psychologists, with expertise in Buddhist Studies and western philosophy as well as, in some cases, religious / contemplative practice.