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Watson Lecture: Artificial Intelligence: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

Wednesday, May 24, 2023
7:30pm to 8:30pm
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Online and In-Person Event
Yaser Abu-Mostafa (PhD '83), Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Division of Engineering and Applied Science,
  • Public Event
WATCH THE LECTURE

ChatGPT has rocked the general public's perception and expectations of artificial intelligence (AI). In this lecture, Abu-Mostafa will explain the science of AI in plain language and explore how the scientific details illustrate the risks and benefits of AI. Between the extremes of "AI will kill us all" and "AI will solve all our problems," the science can help us identify what is realistic and what is speculative, and guide us in our planning, legislation, and investment in AI.

This lecture will be presented in a hybrid format, allowing for both virtual viewers and in-person attendees. No advance registration is required for either format but you may sign up for reminders about this event.

How to watch online

The lecture can be viewed via live stream on caltech.edu/watson or on Caltech's YouTube channel.

Virtual viewers can submit questions for the lecturer through the YouTube chat feed. Select questions will be answered after the lecture, during the audience Q&A.

How to attend in person

Local participants can attend the lecture inside Caltech's Beckman Auditorium. Doors open at 7:00 p.m.

By entering the auditorium, attendees attest to being fully vaccinated or having a legal medical exemption. Masks are optional inside Beckman Auditorium.

In-person attendees can ask questions during the audience Q&A immediately following the program.

About the Series

The 2022–2023 season marks the centennial of The Earnest C. Watson Lecture Series, which has brought Caltech's most innovative scientific research to the public since the Friday Evening Demonstrations premiered in October of 1922. The series is named for Earnest C. Watson, a professor of physics at Caltech from 1919 until 1959. The Watson Lectures are geared toward a general audience, as part of the Institute's ongoing commitment to benefiting the local community through education and outreach.

Many past Watson Lectures are available on YouTube.

For more information, please contact The Caltech Ticket Office by email at [email protected].