Dr. Randall Reed
Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2018
5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Belk Library and Information Commons, Room 114
This event is free and open to the public.
The “Philosophy and Religion in The Contemporary World” colloquium series concludes with Dr. Randall Reed’s talk on artificial intelligence.
The advent of home artificial intelligence devices like Amazon Echo (“Alexa”), Google Home and Apple’s Siri represent a first incursion of artificial intelligence into the homes of Americans. The prediction is that A.I.s will continue to become more intelligent over time and even begin to develop unique personalities in response to their users.
Might such A.I.s be perceived as religious persons? And if so, what strategies might the church use for their inclusion? Reed will examine two examples where the church designated peoples in certain categories outside the religious sphere of salvation, and then came to accept and in some cases celebrate these groups as part of God’s plan. Then Reed will conclude by talking about how the church might think about A.I. in the future.
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About the Department of Philosophy and Religion
The Department of Philosophy and Religion invites students to explore the world, examine beliefs, understand a diversity of worldviews and challenge the ideas and values that instruct our lives. The department offers a Bachelor of Arts in philosophy and a Bachelor of Arts in religious studies, as well as a minor in both of these areas. The thinking and communication skills acquired through an undergraduate degree in Philosophy & Religion are important in all career pursuits and appeal to a variety of employers or may be used as a further specialized study.
Dr. Randall Reed headshot
Dr. Randall Reed headshot