Events Archive

    Dec 4
    Dec 6
    Event
    11am
    LVL - Terrace
    Add to Calendar 2023-12-04 11:00:00 2023-12-06 15:00:00 Study On! at Leavey Library Join us for Study On, a free event created to support student success and well-being during finals season. We will offer an array of refreshments, study tips, and restorative break activities to re-energize and motivate students to Study On and Finish Strong this finals season. Visit https://studyon.usc.edu/ for more info. LVL - Terrace 11:00 am 03:00 pm America/Los_Angeles public

    Study On! at Leavey Library

    Nov 28
    Nov 29
    Event
    3pm
    Ahmanson Lab | Leavey Library, 3rd floor (LVL 301)
    Add to Calendar 2023-11-28 15:00:00 2023-11-29 16:00:00 Technology as Religion Technology presents paradigms that parallel religious concepts, offering alternative interpretations of age-old beliefs. Indeed, cutting-edge technologies enable even staunch materialists in places like Silicon Valley, (e.g. Ray Kurzweil) to embrace beliefs typically associated with metaphysics or religion. For instance, the notion of uploading one&#039;s consciousness to a computer resonates with the religious promise of eternal life, suggesting a digital transcendence beyond physical mortality. Similarly, the theory that we exist within a computer simulation mirrors religious beliefs of a realm or existence beyond our perceived reality, hinting at layers of creation we&#039;ve yet to understand. Furthermore, as we edge closer to creating an Artificial Superintelligence, it can be perceived as a god-like entity, possessing knowledge and power far beyond human comprehension.<br /> <br /> Topics of conversation might include: As Artificial Intelligence and other technologies become increasingly integrated into daily life, how might religious interpretations of the soul, consciousness, and existence evolve? Can technological developments truly replace or serve as alternatives to religious beliefs (can they for instance, give our lives meaning and purpose ), or do they simply offer another layer of interpretation for our existential questions? How might these interpretations differ across cultures and belief systems? 03:00 pm 04:00 pm America/Los_Angeles public

    Technology as Religion

    Nov 14
    Nov 15
    Event
    3pm
    Ahmanson Lab | Leavey Library, 3rd floor (LVL 301)
    Add to Calendar 2023-11-14 15:00:00 2023-11-15 16:00:00 Affective Computing Affective computing is a branch of computer science and artificial intelligence that focuses on the design and development of systems capable of recognizing, interpreting, and simulating human emotions. By integrating sensors, software, and algorithms, these systems can respond to user emotions in a way that appears emotionally intelligent. While the current aim of affective computing is to improve human-computer interaction by making devices more responsive to the emotional states of their users, there&#039;s potential for such systems to be used manipulatively, altering content or responses to exploit users&#039; emotional states for profit or other motives.<br /> <br /> Topics of conversation might include: As technology becomes more emotionally responsive, how can we strike a balance to prevent over-dependence on machines for emotional validation or support? In what ways might affective computing be used for emotional manipulation, and how can we prevent such misuse? How can we make users aware of when and how their emotional state is being monitored, and what rights do they have concerning the use and storage of this data? 03:00 pm 04:00 pm America/Los_Angeles public

    Affective Computing