The Antonine University Engineering Faculty, in collaboration with TICKET Research Laboratory and IEEE ComSoc-Lebanon, recently held a forward-looking artificial intelligence event labeled “Open Day For Artificial Intelligence” on the university’s main campus in Hadat-Baabda. This event brought together experts from Lebanon and abroad to present the latest developments in AI technology, its applications, and its social implications.
The president of Antonine University, Father Michel el-Saghbini, highlighted the conference’s objectives to nurture education and research in artificial intelligence within the university, provide insight into recent advancements, and explore the practical application of updates in various academic fields. Father el-Saghbini emphasized the institution’s dedication to theoretical and practical innovation and technology as means for intellectual growth and is driving technological progress.
Artificial intelligence is transforming our era by reshaping concepts and all aspects of human life at an unprecedented rate, enhancing creativity across all areas. Father el-Saghbini warned of the risk of losing control over our lives and future to “technological dictatorship” in the quest for absolute freedom. He stressed the need to acknowledge human limitations as creation and respect human dignity, arguing that this acknowledgment is vital to maintaining freedom and prescribing the correct role of intelligent machines in society.
Imad Kreidieh, Managing Director of Ogero, spoke about the celebration of not just technological progress but the boundless opportunities AI brings to our world. He noted the significant advancements in industries ranging from healthcare to finance, and from transportation to entertainment. Kreidieh underlined the responsibilities that come with such progress and the importance of considering the ethical implications of AI, including privacy concerns, algorithmic bias, and labor market effects. He called for harnessing AI for the common good, to not only push technology forward but to also improve the quality of life for people worldwide.
Key Questions and Answers:
1. What was the primary goal of the “Open Day For Artificial Intelligence” hosted by Antonine University?
The primary goal was to nurture education and research in AI at the university, provide insights into recent advancements, and explore practical applications across various academic fields.
2. What did Father Michel el-Saghbini highlight about AI during his speech?
Father Michel el-Saghbini warned about the dangers of a “technological dictatorship,” emphasizing the need to respect human dignity and integrating AI into society responsibly to maintain human freedom.
3. What ethical implications of AI did Imad Kreidieh address?
Kreidieh spoke about the ethical implications such as privacy concerns, algorithmic bias, and the impact on the labor market, stressing the importance of using AI to improve the common good.
Key Challenges and Controversies:
Privacy and Data Security: As AI technology advances, it collects and processes vast amounts of data, raising serious privacy concerns and data security issues.
Algorithmic Bias: AI systems can inadvertently perpetuate and amplify societal biases if they’re trained on data sets that lack diversity or contain historical prejudices.
Job Displacement: AI and automation can lead to the displacement of workers, particularly in repetitive and manual jobs, creating challenges for labor markets and social welfare systems.
Regulation and Control: Developing an appropriate regulatory framework that can keep pace with the fast evolution of AI remains a significant challenge for policymakers.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Artificial Intelligence:
Advantages:
– Efficiency and Automation: AI increases efficiency in various sectors by automating repetitive tasks and optimizing processes.
– Improved Decision Making: AI can analyze large amounts of data to assist in making more informed decisions.
– Enhancements in Healthcare: AI has the potential to improve patient care and medical diagnostics.
Disadvantages:
– Unemployment Concerns: AI could replace human jobs, leading to unemployment in certain sectors.
– Lack of Emotional Intelligence: AI lacks the ability to truly understand human emotions, which can be critical in some fields.
– Potential for Misuse: There is a risk that AI could be used for malicious purposes if not properly managed.
For more information about Artificial Intelligence and related research from a global perspective, the following links might be informative:
– Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
– Association for Computing Machinery (ACM)
– Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AAAI)
Please note that these links are to the main domains of reputable organizations involved in the study and research of AI and therefore should be considered safe and valid sources of information.