Agnes Scott College will launch a yearlong symposium this fall exploring what it means to live well in an age of artificial intelligence—bringing together students, faculty, staff and the greater community to examine how AI is reshaping human agency, wellbeing and purpose.

The symposium features a lineup of speakers spanning journalism, developmental psychology, moral philosophy, computational neuroscience and clinical psychology:

Opening Keynote, Wednesday, September 16 at 8 p.m.: Karen Hao, journalist and author of Empire of AI, will deliver “Dreams & Nightmares in the Empire of AI,” examining the systems of power in AI development and prospects for democratic governance and data sovereignty. 

Thursday, October 15 at 5 p.m.: Robyn Fivush, Ph.D., of Emory University will present “Family Storytelling and Adolescent Well-being in an AI World,” exploring how AI can help or hinder the storytelling practices that build resilience in young people. REGISTER HERE: https://forms.gle/AAQMoQwt4g7kjvHu5

Thursday, November 12 at 5 p.m.: John Lysaker, Ph.D., of Emory University will present “The Content of Our Character,” on moral growth and integrity amid growing human-AI interaction.
Thursday, February 11 at 5 p.m.: Paul B. Sharp, Ph.D., of Bar-Ilan University will present “Why We Worry the Way We Do,” using AI combined with individual life histories to explain the nature of repetitive thoughts.
Thursday, March 25 at 5 p.m.: Joel G. Thomas, Ph.D., of Agnes Scott College will present “Relational Agency in the Age of AI,” examining how people build meaning psychologically and what that means for relating to AI as a friend or therapist. 
Concluding Keynote, April 2027 (date to be announced) Timnit Gebru, in person