Philosophy Club Meets Regularly

The JMU Philosophy Club, one of the faster growing clubs on campus, met for their second meeting of the semester on Tuesday, February 24.  The topic was AI, a contemporary philosophical challenge which is seemingly unavoidable.  AI is being used for a wide arrary of purposes these days, from supplementing warfare tactics to helping with daily tasks.  The club discussed possible safeguards to retain the morality of AI.  How are we to make sure that AI is created and used for good ends?  After all, the future is not set, and we still hold the power to shape what could become an exceedingly powerful tool.  

Many students asserted that the onus was on the user of the AI to make sure it isn’t being used for immoral purposes. Other students pushed back, positing that the responsibilty of morality is on the creators of AI.  Either way, students agreed there must be safeguards placed upon AI in order to ensure its safe usage. This sentiment is reflected by Americans at large, evidenced by Pew Research's poll which concluded that about half of adult Americans fear that AI will worsen people’s abilities to think creatively and form meaningful relationships.  It is important that we gather, as the Philosophy Club does, to rationally consider possible pros and cons of societal issues.  These issues aren’t going away, neither are their effects. It is on us to create a good future in light of these challenges. The Philosophy Club is a shining example of how to pursue the rational discussion needed for developing a good future.

The Philosophy Club meets every other Tuesday at 5:30 in the first-floor lobby of Cleveland hall.  The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 10.  All meetings include free pizza and free discussion.