Iona University Welcomes Internationally Renowned Tech Philosopher Dr. Tom Chatfield for Presidential Speaker Series
Chatfield shared insights into our relationship with technology from prehistory to the age of artificial history
New Rochelle, N.Y. – Iona University recently hosted Dr. Tom Chatfield, British author, tech philosopher and educator, for an engaging conversation about humanity’s co-evolution with technology from the age of our earliest tools to the era of artificial intelligence (AI). Speaking in Romita Auditorium, Chatfield shared his sought-after insights on the ethical implications of digital technology, challenging the audience to ponder some of the biggest questions surrounding the rapid rise of generative AI.
Sponsored by the newly established Gabelli Center for Teaching & Learning, the Presidential Speaker Series was conceived by President Seamus Carey, Ph.D., as a way to foster community-wide conversation sparked by the ideas of world-renowned thinkers on subjects relevant to education in the twenty-first century.
In his talk, Chatfield, author most recently of “Wise Animals: How Technology Has Made Us What We Are,” took the audience on a fascinating journey, drawing a clear line from simple tools used by our ancestors to the supercomputers we carry in our pockets. While he acknowledged the immense value of modern technologies, including AI tools like ChatGPT and others, he also raised important questions about the need for humanity to step back from technology to seek answers regarding meaning and value that are beyond the reach of machines.
Ahead of his keynote, Chatfield also sat down with James Mustich, Iona’s senior advisor to the president, for an in-depth podcast episode.
“It was a pleasure to talk with Tom and delve deeper into this rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence and the implications it carries, especially in the realm of teaching and learning,” said Mustich. “We are grateful for the opportunity to share his expertise and inspiration with our community, and look forward to carrying the conversation forward in our work at Iona.”
Listen to the podcast episode here.
Learn more about the Presidential Speaker Series here.