Language and the life of the mind in the age of AI

Author Meghan O'Gieblyn

The rise of generative AI has destabilized the way we typically think about the relationship between language and thought. Given that large language models can produce cogent, even creative text via statistical mimesis, many have asked whether human "output" is really original. A number of writers, artists, and philosophers (many writing long before the age of AI) have explored both the creative possibilities and the ethical risks that arise when language becomes uncoupled from conscious attention.

The event is co-sponsored by Computer Science & Engineering; Cultural Studies & Comparative Literature; Electrical & Computer Engineering; History of Science, Technology & Medicine; Philosophy; Religious Studies; the Institute of Linguistics; the Minnesota Center for Philosophy of Science; and the Center for Faith & Learning at Anselm House.