Dundon-Berchtold Institute
College of Arts and Sciences
August 13, 2024
Artificial Intelligence: "Its goodness or evil depends on us." —Rev. Philip Larrey, PhD
In a continuing effort to provide forward-looking instruction and career readiness opportunities for students, inform pedagogical discourse, and shape the future of human flourishing in light of the rapidly expanding use of generative artificial intelligence, University of Portland will host a national AI conference for Catholic higher education institutions October 18-20, 2024 on the UP campus.
The conference, titled Catholic Higher Education and AI: Mission-Based Teaching for the Future of Humanity, will bring together faculty, administrators, and religious affiliates from Catholic institutions to discuss educating students to be ethical decision-makers in the age of artificial intelligence — within the frameworks of universities’ Catholic missions.
The event’s opening keynote features Rev. Philip Larrey, PhD, a trusted advisor to the Vatican on the impacts of AI and digital technology. Dr. Larrey, a professor of philosophy at Boston College and Chair of Humanity 2.0, has authored several books about the effects of the new digital era on society. His latest book, Artificial Humanity, is a philosophical discussion of what AI research means for humanity.
Joining Dr. Larrey as conference keynote speakers coming to the UP campus in October:
The University of Portland College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) and Dundon-Berchtold Institute for Moral Formation and Applied Ethics are co-hosting the conference. CAS Dean Valerie Banschbach, PhD has been proactive in facilitating on-campus discussions and workshops to mobilize teaching about AI and ethics in every unit at the University. In February, UP hosted regional business leaders to explore ‘The Intersection of Artificial Intelligence and Ethics.’
“We are building on our success at the University of Portland convening AI and ethics workshops for corporate, government, K-12 leaders, faculty, and administrators,” Dr. Banschbach says. “Bringing leaders together for this dialogue is critical to our students’ preparation for the workforce and a vital element of our mission as a Catholic, Holy Cross institution.”
“For centuries, Catholic colleges and universities have helped society achieve greater understanding of new technologies and their impact on the human experience,” said University President Robert D. Kelly, PhD. “As artificial intelligence advances, Catholic institutions like University of Portland are uniquely positioned to once again become conveners of important conversations on this world-changing tech and its ethical dimensions. I am thrilled that UP will welcome leaders from Catholic institutions across the country for this wonderful conference on the interaction of AI and ethics.”
The October 18-20 AI conference will primarily involve sessions in the University’s Dundon-Berchtold Hall and Buckley Center Auditorium. UP invites colleagues from Catholic higher ed institutions to register or submit proposals to lead peer-reviewed panel sessions, lightning talks, or participate in administrator or religious affiliate roundtables.
University of Portland
5000 N. Willamette Blvd.,
Portland, Oregon 97203-5798
503.943.8000
This website uses cookies to track information for analytics purposes. You can view the full University of Portland privacy policy for more information.
