CEPHAS 2024: “What is Knowing?”
Divine, Human, and Artificial Intelligence (23-26 August)
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“Until maybe a couple of years ago had I been asked what is the most pressing and important conversation we should be having about our future, I might have said climate change or one of the other big challenges facing humanity, such as terrorism, antimicrobial resistance, the threat of pandemics or world poverty, But today I am convinced the most important conversation we should be having is about the future of AI. It will dominate what happens with all of these other issues for better or for worse”.(Prof. Jim Al-Khalili, Head of the British Science Association, 2018
At Cephas 2024, we reflected together on the nature of knowing, and the implications of Artificial Intelligence for the present and the future.
Prof. George Corbett, Dr Joey Bellezza, and Sr Magdalene Eitenmiller gave talks, respectively, on human, angelic, and divine knowing, while Sr Valery Walker, George and Sr Magdalene led theological workshops, discussing these topics in Aquinas’s Summa Theologiae.
As well as discussing the philosophy of AI and the Church’s responses to AI, Revd Dr Jean Gové – our keynote speaker – gave a fascinating interactive workshop on some AI tools, including ChatGPT 4.0 and Magisterium.net.
Fr Jean also served as the resident priest, celebrating daily mass, while Sr Magdalene led the group in following the daily liturgy.
Stefan Kaminski also gave a short introductory talk on the rich Catholic history of Stonyhurst college, and there was time over the long-weekend to enjoy the beautiful grounds of Stonyhurst college, and to relax over a glass of wine in the evenings.
Participants on CEPHAS 2024 said:
“Across the board, excellent (thank you all!)”
“Great presenters, a privilege to be present”
“Exceeded my expectations – very interesting and enlightening”
“I’ve loved the weekend and learned so much. I’ve particularly valued the fact that each speaker was and is so evidently rooted in the Catholic faith. The venue is stunning and everyone was and is warm and welcoming. THANK YOU ALL!”
“The work that you all put into topic, talks, and the overall experience is very evident and appreciated”
“1st class facilities, and delicious catering – varied and healthy”
“The catering is wonderful – very generous and delicious – vegetarian options. The staff are wonderful too”
“Good balance of working, praying, and relaxing”