Prof Bruce Bassett of the Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics at the University of Cape Town will present a talk on the future of artificial super-intelligence at the Franschhoek Theatre on Wednesday 3 April.
The talk forms part of the popular SmallTalX series of public lectures, which aim to introduce ordinary people to subject experts.
Bassett will speak on the prospect of a new form of super-intelligence in the near future, with which humans will have to learn to co-exist.
He will consider whether such super-intelligence is possible within the next 20 years, what dangers are associated with it, or whether it is all just Hollywood-inspired hype.
Bassett will also consider how such artificial super-intelligence may be harnessed for the good of humanity.
Since the public launch of ChatGPT the term “artificial intelligence” (AI) has been on everyone’s lips. This truly transformative technology has already had a massive impact on our lives and has ignited a surge of interest and investment in AI technologies worldwide.
Bassett’s research explores the theory and applications of AI, and statistical models. He has been involved in assisting radio astronomy projects and was formerly head of data science at the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) astronomy project in the Karoo.
After completing his PhD at the University of Oxford in 2004 he returned to South Africa to help build the country’s science capacity.
- The talk will be held at the theatre at 19:00. Tickets cost R250, and include a glass of wine, snacks and a question-and-answer session. Bookings are essential at www.franschhoektheatre.co.za Direct all queries to Leila Shirley on 073 421 8879 or smalltalx.info@gmail.com.
