Concordia College is taking a significant step into the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence (AI) with its upcoming 2025 Faith, Reason, and World Affairs Symposium. Titled “Responsibly Engaging With AI to Make a Difference in the World,” the event is scheduled for September 17 and aims to foster critical dialogue surrounding the complexities of AI technology. This article summarizes the key aspects of the event, its societal implications, and its alignment with Concordia College’s mission of education that involves not just intellectual growth but moral accountability as well.
Overview of the Symposium
The symposium is free and open to the public, reflecting Concordia College’s commitment to community involvement and education. It aims to address the critical issues surrounding AI, including ethical considerations, social responsibilities, and the impacts this technology can have on various sectors. Understanding AI’s influence on society has never been more vital, and Concordia is providing a platform for discourse on these vital topics.
Featured Speakers
Two distinguished speakers will headline this year’s symposium:
Katherine Elkins – As the creator of Kenyon University’s human-centered AI curriculum and co-founder of the Kenyon AI Lab, Elkins will kick off the event at 9 a.m. in Memorial Auditorium. Her presentation will delve into the intersection of humanities and technology, touching on how AI can respect and enhance human values instead of overshadowing them.
- Elizabeth M. Adams – An influential figure known for her insights on AI, Adams will speak at 1:15 p.m. in the same auditorium. Her session will emphasize the responsibilities that individuals carry as users and developers of AI tools. This timely topic aligns with ongoing discussions regarding ethical AI use and the accountability of developers in shaping technologies that impact daily lives.
Breakout Sessions and Hands-On Activities
In addition to keynote speeches, the symposium features several breakout sessions running from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. and 2:15 to 3:45 p.m. These sessions will allow participants to engage more deeply with the topics discussed. Attendees can expect hands-on AI activities, designed not only to educate but to inspire responsible engagement with technology. This interactive approach emphasizes the importance of practical understanding, ensuring that individuals know how to navigate AI responsibly.
Importance of Ethical AI Engagement
The topics covered during the symposium reflect urgent conversations taking place in academic, business, and governmental circles. As AI technologies become increasingly integrated into various aspects of life—from healthcare to transportation—the need for ethical considerations also grows.
AI brings both opportunities and challenges. It can enhance efficiency, drive innovation, and solve complex problems, but it also poses risks, such as privacy concerns, bias in decision-making, and the potential for job displacement. Concordia’s symposium highlights the importance of not just understanding these technologies but engaging with them in a way that prioritizes ethical standards and human dignity.
Community Engagement and Broader Discussion
The symposium is not just an academic event; it’s a community engagement effort. By hosting this forum, Concordia College invites local residents and students alike to participate in a broader discussion on what responsible AI engagement looks like. This is an essential move in an age where technology has begun to overshadow traditional human values. The conversation initiated at the symposium can extend into classrooms, workplaces, and homes, prompting individuals and organizations to reflect on their uses of AI.
Connection to Concordia College’s Mission
Concordia College’s mission revolves around fostering critical thinking, ethical reflection, and service to the community. The 2025 symposium aligns perfectly with this mission by encouraging attendees to think critically about the technologies they engage with and the moral implications of those choices. By providing a platform for dialogue on AI, Concordia is not only educating its participants but also motivating them to become responsible stewards of technology.
Conclusion
Concordia College’s 2025 Faith, Reason, and World Affairs Symposium is a timely and vital event that addresses the complexities surrounding AI in today’s world. By integrating ethical considerations into the discourse on technology, the symposium serves as a crucial forum for community members to gather, learn, and discuss the responsibilities tied to AI. By shining a light on the intersection of technology and humanity, Concordia College stands firm in its role as an educational institution committed to ethical leadership.
The future of AI holds promising advancements, but as Concordia emphasizes, it is the moral responsibility of all stakeholders to engage thoughtfully with this powerful tool. Whether you are an academic, a student, or a community member, this symposium offers a unique opportunity to explore and navigate the ethical dimensions of AI together. For further details on the schedule and session topics, interested individuals can visit the official Concordia College website at ConcordiaCollege.edu/Symposium.
