SC Religion/Philosophy Lecture Series Begins Oct. 27
SC Religion/Philosophy Lecture Series Begins Oct. 27
Winfield, Kan., Oct. 24, 2022 — The Southwestern College
Religion/Philosophy Lecture Series will begin with a presentation from John
Symons, professor of philosophy at the University of Kansas, on Thursday, Oct.
27, at 4 p.m., in the Richardson Performing Arts Center.
The title of the lecture is “Artificial Intelligence’s Love? Chatbots,
Social Agency, and Close Personal Relationships.”
“A popular and well-respected professor at KU, John Symons is one of the
leading thinkers on the philosophy of technology and questions relating to
artificial intelligence,” says Jacob Goodson, associate professor of philosophy
at Southwestern College. “In his lecture at SC, he plans to tease out
some connections concerning artificial intelligence and friendship. It is such
an honor for me to host him in Winfield.”
Symons mostly works on problems related to the role of computing
technology in science and public policy, and he is especially interested in the
interaction of technology and social norms. He is the author or co-author of
four books: “Cyber-Social Ethics: A Philosophical Inquiry,” co-authored with
Ramón Alvarado, (Routledge Press, 2022); “Formal Reasoning: A Guide to Critical
Thinking,” (Kendall Hunt Press, 2017); “Daniel Dennett: Critical Assessments of
Leading Philosophers,” (Routledge Press, 2014); and “On Dennett,” (Wadsworth
Press, 2002).
Upcoming lecturers include: Karen V. Guth on Nov. 16 (Smith-Willson
Lecture); D. Stephen Long on Feb. 2 (Parkhurst Lecture); and Beatrice Marovich
on March 1 (Beck Lecture).
