AI, Memetic Organisms, and the Creature That Thinks It’s You

The thinking capacities of recent AI systems are astonishing. Even more astonishing is that they emerge from language alone. This lecture explores a radical reframing: that language is not merely a tool we use, but a memetic organism—a creature that co-evolved with the human brain. If so, then embedding this creature in super-efficient learning machines may force us to rethink not only AI, but what we ourselves are.

AI, Memetic Organisms, and the Creature That Thinks It’s You

Date: Friday, March 27, 2026

Time: 6:30pm-8:00pm

Location: Schaible Auditorium

Zoom Option: https://alaska.zoom.us/j/86340280778

This event is hosted by the UAF Department of Philosophy

Philosophy at UAF

The UAF Department of Philosophy encourages students to ask big questions about ethics, knowledge, justice and the nature of reality while developing the critical thinking and communication skills valued across careers. Through engaging courses, public lectures and close faculty mentorship, philosophy students learn to analyze complex ideas, engage respectfully with diverse perspectives and contribute thoughtfully to their communities.

Support the Department of Philosophy by making a gift to the College of Liberal Arts. Your donation helps sustain philosophy courses, student opportunities and events that keep thoughtful dialogue alive at UAF. https://engage.alaska.edu/donation-with-cart?fid=JRZBJ%2bAIQ3E%3d&fdesc=7p1DNJ6Mh74gAlSzLRgkTOX%2bkhqMV8aJg5el%2bUwX97o%3d#CLAis #DiscussingAI #MemeticOrganisms #TheCreatureThatThinksItsYou #UAFPhilosophy #NanookNation

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Host or Publisher UAF Department of Philosophy