From 'The Matrix' to the Singularity - David Chalmers, Ph.D.

David Chalmers is Distinguished Professor of Philosophy and Director of the Centre for Consciousness at the Australian National University and a visiting professor of philosophy at New York University whose work on consciousness has attracted attention from many scientists and philosophers.

Born in Sydney, Chalmers studied mathematics at the University of Adelaide and as a Rhodes scholar at Oxford University. He then turned to philosophy and cognitive science, completing a Ph.D. at Indiana University in 1993. As director of the Center for Consciousness Studies at the University of Arizona from 1999 to 2004 and as a founder of the Association for the Scientific Study of Consciousness, Chalmers has been a leader in the interdisciplinary science of consciousness, organizing some of the most important conferences in the field. He also works on issues of language, metaphysics and artificial intelligence. In 2010 he gave the John Locke Lectures at Oxford University on the topic of "Constructing the World." Chalmers' new book, The Character of Consciousness, was recently published.

From The Matrix to the Singularity

The progress of computer technology raises fundamental philosophical issues about reality, knowledge and intelligence. One set of issues is raised by virtual reality: How do we know we are not in a simulated world, such as the world of The Matrix? Another set of issues is raised by artificial intelligence: Is it possible for there to be a "singularity" in which artificial machines surpass human intelligence, and if so what happens then?

10 a.m. lecture: The Matrix as Metaphysics

Are we living in a matrix? And if so, is our perception of the external world illusory? Many people, including philosophers from Descartes to Morpheus, say yes: If we're in a matrix, then the ordinary objects that we seem to see don't exist, and we're radically deluded. Chalmers says no: Even if we're in a matrix, ordinary objects still exist, and most of our beliefs about the external world are correct. Instead, we can see the matrix hypothesis as a metaphysical hypothesis about the underlying nature of our world.

4 p.m. lecture: The Singularity: A Philosophical Analysis

What happens when machines become more intelligent than humans? Some have proposed that a "singularity" will occur, when machines will design more and more intelligent machines, producing a rapid spiral to superintelligence. Chalmers will analyze the argument for an intelligence explosion, and will also analyze resulting practical and philosophical issues. How, if at all, can we control the impact of superintelligence in a simulated world or our world? Will systems in a post-singularity world be conscious? Can we be among them?

Admission is free.

This is the 25th anniversary year of the annual Harold Stoner Clark Lecture Series, endowed by the late Mr. Clark and sponsored by the Department of Philosophy. Limited parking is available in the Samuelson Chapel parking lot. Additional parking is available in the parking lots on Mountclef Boulevard north and south of Olsen Road. Street parking is by permit only Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.