HAT Forum

About this event

The Humanist Association of Toronto http://www.humanisttoronto.ca/ Every Saturday we meet on Zoom to discuss a topic decided upon the previous week. These are topics of humanist interest, from a humanist perspective. The topic of the discussion will be decided in a prior meeting, usually two weeks in advance. This week’s topic is: The Dangers of Artificial Intelligence, Introduced by Kirsten Brawn To many, AI is an existential threat against humanity and Data Centers are a Scourge to communities that care about their access to water and power. Others think it is the ultimate blessing to our economies and human existence. I'm sure that in this meeting, as all others, we will engage in interesting and enlightening and scary conversation. 1. What are the Pros of AI, what will it do for us as Humans and how can it ultimately improve our global well-being? 2. Should we be afraid of what AI can do to our workforce? What can we do to prevent us from being financially destitute as a result? 3. Some in the industry say that there is a 10% chance that AI will kill all humanity withing the next 10 years? Have you heard this? How in the world can a machine orchestrate that? What harm do you think AI could do? 4. Should AI be controlled and monitored by the Government, or by within its own industry? Should we be worried about AI improvements speeding ahead at the speed it has currently been reaching? 5. Is AI worth the energy and water it consumes? What's wrong with having a data center in one's community? 6. How will or has AI influenced the Stock Market? Financially, are things beyond the point of no return? 7. Should we be afraid of AI systems becoming "conscious" and becoming "self-interested" and a hundred thousand times smarter than Einstein in his own field? 8. Are our AI worries unfounded? Will the 2010s be thought like the times of the horse and buggy? 9. Will global hunger be erased and/or will global peace reign as a result of AI? Meet our diverse group, trade perspectives in a free and open forum and learn from others as they learn from you! BTW: don't be concerned if there are not many RSVP’s. Many HAT members attend regularly but don’t sign up on Meetup. Our online meetings have been very popular, often with 20-30 attendees. Our Website (http://www.humanisttoronto.ca/)