Scholars weigh challenges, opportunities of AI during 42nd HTA Conference, Oct. 26-28 at Salve Regina University

Keynote addresses AI influence on Large Language Models (LLMs)

by Matt Boxler

Newport, RI (10/20/2023) — NEWPORT, R.I. - Interdisciplinary scholars from across the country will share their research and insights on the sweeping impacts of Artificial Intelligence on multiple aspects of society when the Humanities and Technology Association (HTA) presents its 42nd annual conference at Salve Regina University on Oct. 26-28.

"When one considers the impact that something like ChatGPT has had on academia and society at large in just a few short months, the possibilities offered by other aspects of AI - be it by way of information, consultation, education, or weaponization to name just a few - call for a level of reflection and subsequent action that may be as urgent as they are necessary," says Craig Condella, professor of philosophy at Salve and president of HTA.

"This year's HTA conference looks to focus such efforts, bringing to bear the ethical, political, social, cultural, and artistic challenges presented by AI, without losing sight of the opportunities it presents as well," Condella says.

In addition to a conference keynote, scholars will share papers and/or panel discussions that investigate the cultural interaction of the humanities, science, engineering and technology. Topics include: "AI to Gen Z: Thoughts on the World to Come;" "AI as Existential Risk;" "AI and Film;" "AI and the Humanities;" :The Future of High School Teaching: AI is Here;" "Technollgy and the Social Fabric;" "Learning Reimagined;" "More Tech, More Problems;" "AI and Artistic Creation;" "Lessons Old - and New;" "AI in the Workplace;" "Rethinking Rationality."

Full agenda is attached.

Conference Keynote

Lauren M.E. Goodlad, Distinguished Professor of English at Rutgers University, will present the keynote address, "The Lifecycle of Writing Subjects: An Interdisciplinary Approach to Large Language Models (LLMs)" at 4:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 27.

Goodland serves as the chair of the CriticalAI@Rutgers initiative and is the editor-in-chief of a new interdisciplinary journal, Critical AI. Her most recent related publication is "A Study in Distant Reading" in Modern Language Quarterly.

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