Image - Jerry Kaplan and detail from his book cover
Past Event

Jerry Kaplan: What You Need to Know About Generative AI

Have we finally discovered the holy grail of artificial intelligence (AI)—machines that match or exceed human intelligence?

Advances in generative AI (GAI) have created a new class of computer systems that exhibit astonishing proficiency on a wide variety of tasks with superhuman performance, producing novel text, images, music, and software by analyzing enormous collections of digitized information. Soon, these systems will provide expert medical care; offer legal advice; draft documents; write computer programs; tutor our children; and generate music and art. These advances will accelerate progress in science, art, and human knowledge, but they will also bring new dangers.

Which industries and professions will thrive—and which will wither? What risks and dangers will it pose? How can we ensure that these systems respect our ethical principles? Will the benefits be broadly distributed or accrue to a lucky few? How will GAI alter our political systems and international conflicts? And are we merely a stepping stone to a new form of nonbiological life, or are we just getting better at building useful gadgets?

Join us for a provocative talk by Jerry Kaplan, author of Generative Artificial Intelligence: What Everyone Needs to Know, as he addresses these pressing questions.

Notes

This program is generously supported by the Jackson Square Partners Foundation.

Jackson Square Partners Foundation

All in-person attendees will receive a copy of Generative Artificial Intelligence, compliments of the Ken & Jaclyn Broad Family Fund.

Ken and Jaclyn Broad Family Fund

Photos courtesy the speakers.

March 6, 2024

The Commonwealth Club of California
110 The Embarcadero
Taube Family Auditorium
San Francisco, CA 94105
United States

Speakers
Image - Jerry Kaplan

Jerry Kaplan

Adjunct Lecturer, Stanford University; Author, Generative Artificial Intelligence: What Everyone Needs to Know

Image - John Markoff

In Conversation with John Markoff

Technology Journalist