Thinking with Jonathan Edwards About Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) and machine-learning are increasingly prevalent in almost all sectors of business and technology. As a tool, A.I. promises vast acceleration of the organizing and analyzing of “big data.” But some harbor greater hopes for A.I. – wondering whether perhaps such technological advances might one day blur the limits between technology and human personhood. This brings up many difficult questions. Is it possible that an 18th century New England revivalist preacher might have something to offer for the debate?

Join Anselm House as UMN Professor Rachel Trocchio discusses how Jonathan Edwards’ philosophy of beauty (aesthetics) and knowledge (epistemology) might help us think about the relation between matter and spirit and the limits of biophysical reductionism.

This event is part of Anselm House’s ongoing Thinking with the Saints series which seeks to bring insights from historic Christian thinkers to bear on contemporary academic debates with relevance for contemporary life.