Technophilosophy September Soiree: Can we ensure AI is safe?

“AI safety” refers broadly to the field of research dedicated to ensuring that AI systems behave safely and reliably, with minimal risk of unintended consequences or harm to humanity. However, because AI systems operate in a world filled with uncertainty and volatility, the challenge of building safe and reliable AI is not easy and mitigation strategies vary widely. So what is safe AI, exactly, and why is it so difficult to achieve? How can we ensure transparency in how AI makes decisions? Can LLMs be hacked? Are the existential risks of advanced AI exaggerated—or justified?

Join a panel of experts to explore pressing questions of safety in this unprecedented moment of proliferating and advancing AI technologies. The 2024 September Soiree in Technophilosophy promises to be a unique opportunity to expand your horizons and be part of a stimulating event that aims to provoke deep and meaningful engagement with our future with AI.

The Soiree will bring together four experts in AI: , ,, and . The event is presented by the Schwartz Reisman Institute in collaboration with the University of Toronto’s Institute for the History & Philosophy of Science & Technology (IHPST), Centre for Ethics, and Victoria College.
Roger Grosse is Schwartz Reisman Chair in Technology and Society, associate professor of computer science at the University of Toronto, Canada CIFAR AI Chair, and founding member of the Vector Institute. Sedef Kocak is director of professional development at Vector Institute. Sheila McIlraith is associate director at the Schwartz Reisman Institute for Technology and Society, professor of computer science at the University of Toronto, and Canada CIFAR AI Chair at the Vector Institute. Karina Vold is a research lead at the Schwartz Reisman Institute for Technology and Society, an assistant professor of philosophy at the Institute for the History and Philosophy of Science and Technology (IHPST) at the University of Toronto, and an AI2050 Schmidt Foundation Fellow.

Doors open: 5:00 PM ET
Event begins: 6:00 PM ET
This is a special in-person only event.
Event website:

FREE registration for students: use code IHPST

Speakers:

• (University of Toronto, Department of Computer Science)

• (University of Toronto, Department of Computer Science)

• (Vector Institute)
• (University of Toronto, Institute for the History and Philosophy of Science and Technology).

Venue:
Isabel Bader Theatre
93 Charles St W, Toronto, ON M5S 2C7

Sponsors:
Schwartz Reisman Institute for Technology and Society, Institute for the History and Philosophy of Science and Technology, Centre for Ethics, Victoria College, Faculty of Arts & Science, University of Toronto.

About the Schwartz Reisman Institute for Technology and Society

Located at the University of Toronto, the Schwartz Reisman Institute for Technology and Society’s mission is to deepen our knowledge of technologies, societies, and what it means to be human by integrating research across traditional boundaries and building human-centred solutions that really make a difference. The integrative research we conduct rethinks technology’s role in society, the contemporary needs of human communities, and the systems that govern them. We’re investigating how best to align technology with human values and deploy it accordingly. The human-centred solutions we build are actionable and practical, highlighting the potential of emerging technologies to serve the public good while protecting citizens and societies from their misuse. We want to make sure powerful technologies truly make the world a better place—for everyone.

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Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Isabel Bader Theatre, 93 Charles St W, Toronto, Canada