Exploring AI Ethics, Digital Humanities, and Posthumanism with Professor Kevin LaGrandeur

In this thought-provoking episode of TCAST, Alexander McCaig sits down with Professor Kevin LaGrandeur, an expert in digital culture, AI ethics, and literature. Kevin takes us on a journey through his unique academic background and how it shaped his work in the intersection of technology and humanity. From the early days of digital tools in education to his influential role in AI ethics, Kevin shares valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities in the evolving tech landscape.

Episode Highlights:

• Kevin’s Academic Journey:
  Kevin discusses how his diverse academic background, spanning science, economics, English literature, and philosophy, led him to explore the relationship between technology and the humanities.

• AI in Education:
  Hear about Kevin’s pioneering work in the 90s, experimenting with digital tools to teach literature when technology in humanities was still controversial.

• Transition to AI Ethics:
  The conversation shifts to Kevin’s involvement in AI ethics, focusing on the societal and human implications of integrating advanced technology into everyday life.

• Transhumanism and Posthumanism:
  Alexander and Kevin dive deep into transhumanism and the potential of technologies like Neuralink to modify human capabilities, discussing the ethical concerns, inequality, and readiness of society for such advancements.

• Global AI Ethics Institute:
  Kevin shares his role at the Global AI Ethics Institute, which strives to broaden ethical discussions around AI by incorporating diverse global perspectives beyond the Western lens.

• Challenges in Regulating AI:
  The duo explores the complexities of AI regulation across different regions, comparing the approaches of the U.S., EU, and China.

• Philosophical Reflections:
  Kevin and Alexander reflect on the big philosophical questions surrounding technology and its potential harm or benefits to humanity.

Key Takeaways:

• AI and Digital Tools as Double-Edged Swords:
  While these tools offer incredible potential, they also pose risks related to privacy, inequality, and societal harm.

• The Need for Inclusive Ethical Frameworks:
  Kevin emphasizes the importance of a global, multidisciplinary approach to AI ethics, drawing from various cultural and philosophical traditions.

• The Role of Public Intellectuals:
  Kevin highlights the crucial role of public intellectuals in bridging academic research with public understanding and advocating for responsible technological development.

Where to Learn More:

• Global AI Ethics Institute: globalethics.ai
• Kevin LaGrandeur’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kevin-lagrandeur-299a1b3

Final Message:
Kevin encourages listeners to critically evaluate AI products and their societal impact, urging everyone to stay informed and engaged in conversations about AI ethics.

About TCAST:
TCAST is your go-to podcast for discussions on Big Data, Artificial Intelligence, and their impact on humanity. Hosted by Alexander McCaig and Jason Rigby, TCAST features interviews with data scientists, thought leaders, and industry experts who are shaping the future of tech and innovation.

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