The Great AI Debate: Exploring the Horizons and Possibilities for AGI in th

Schedule

Thu Mar 06 2025 at 09:00 am to 12:00 pm

UTC-05:00

Location

Harvard John A. Paulson School Of Engineering And Applied Sciences | Boston, MA

Advertisement
This session explores AGI/ASI definitions, risks, governance, and impacts, fostering dialogue to address philosophical and ethical questions
About this Event

Session Lead: David Leslie

Session Description: As the rapid development and commercialization of “frontier models” and “agentic AI” systems proceed apace, exploring questions around the meaning of and possibilities for “Artificial General Intelligence (AGI)” and “Artificial Superintelligence (ASI)” has become ever more important. A clear and well-justified understanding of these terms will prove crucial both for identifying the risks accompanying the proliferation of digital and cyber-physical AI agents powered by frontier models and for establishing effective governance mechanisms to regulate them. However, there has been much disagreement and controversy in establishing consensus on what we are even talking about when we refer to "AGI" or "ASI". The definitions of and potential for the achievement of AGI—often described as AI capable of human-level cognitive activity across diverse tasks—and ASI—often understood as AI that surpasses human intelligence in all domains—remain hotly debated. Critics argue that these terms often reflect speculative hype and marketing strategies rather than scientific rigor. They caution that focusing on hypothetical "rogue AI" scenarios distracts from addressing the tangible risks posed by current AI systems—such as algorithmic bias, expanding inequality, and societal harm. They also warn that misguided belief in the potential attainment of AGI and ASI motivates a dangerous technological race among economic and geopolitical rivals that undermines prospects for meaningful regulation, society-led constraint, and democratic governance. On the other hand, proponents highlight the existential risks that AGI and ASI could pose if misaligned with human values. They emphasize the urgent need for technical, policy, and regulatory solutions to the control problems and alignment challenges raised by AGI and ASI to ensure safe future development and deployment.


The Great AI Debate offers a platform for critical dialogue to examine these contested concepts. The workshop brings together leading thinkers from diverse disciplines to address the fundamental philosophical, sociotechnical, and ethical questions surrounding these transformative technologies. Through provocations and dynamic dialogue, workshop participants will map the conceptual terrain of AGI and ASI. They will explore whether these technologies are achievable, what they truly signify, and how their development could reshape human futures for better or worse. By fostering constructive debate across a broad spectrum of views, The Great AI Debate aims to clarify definitions, assess risks, and chart pathways for effective AI governance.

Advertisement

Where is it happening?

Harvard John A. Paulson School Of Engineering And Applied Sciences, 150 Western Avenue, Boston, United States

Event Location & Nearby Stays:

Tickets

USD 0.00

Harvard Data Science Initative

Host or Publisher Harvard Data Science Initative

It's more fun with friends. Share with friends

Discover More Events in Boston

Leonidas Kavakos - Boston
Thu, 06 Mar, 2025 at 01:00 am Leonidas Kavakos - Boston

Boston Symphony Hall

TRIPS-ADVENTURES
Boston Executive Forum
Thu, 06 Mar, 2025 at 07:30 am Boston Executive Forum

One Post Office Square

BUSINESS
NeuroScience + Acupuncture, Yi Acu Clinic Interactive Event
Thu, 06 Mar, 2025 at 08:00 am NeuroScience + Acupuncture, Yi Acu Clinic Interactive Event

76 Canal St ste 300

HEALTH-WELLNESS
Elon Phoenix at Northeastern Huskies Womens Basketball
Thu, 06 Mar, 2025 at 08:30 am Elon Phoenix at Northeastern Huskies Womens Basketball

Cabot Center

TRIPS-ADVENTURES
Quick and Crisp: The Thermador Speed Oven Demo
Thu, 06 Mar, 2025 at 11:00 am Quick and Crisp: The Thermador Speed Oven Demo

Yale Appliance | Boston

FOOD-DRINKS
Designing Governance for Trustworthy and Responsible AI
Thu, 06 Mar, 2025 at 01:00 pm Designing Governance for Trustworthy and Responsible AI

Harvard John A. Paulson School Of Engineering And Applied Sciences

Proxies: Open Rehearsal with Ilya Vidrin
Thu, 06 Mar, 2025 at 02:00 pm Proxies: Open Rehearsal with Ilya Vidrin

ArtLab

ART FINE-ARTS
The Magic of Steam Cooking with Thermador
Thu, 06 Mar, 2025 at 02:00 pm The Magic of Steam Cooking with Thermador

Yale Appliance | Boston

FOOD-DRINKS
Conquer Your Fear of Public Speaking - Boston- Virtual Free Trial Class
Tue, 27 Jul, 2021 at 06:00 pm Conquer Your Fear of Public Speaking - Boston- Virtual Free Trial Class

Boston

WORKSHOPS PUBLIC-SPEAKING
Social Anxiety Boston - Free Trial Virtual Group Session
Sat, 04 Sep, 2021 at 12:00 pm Social Anxiety Boston - Free Trial Virtual Group Session

Boston

WORKSHOPS NONPROFIT
Work in Europe \/ Sweden - Jobs, Employers, Work Visa (BOS)
Mon, 04 Jul, 2022 at 04:00 pm Work in Europe / Sweden - Jobs, Employers, Work Visa (BOS)

Boston

WORKSHOPS
Sat, 28 Jan, 2023 at 08:00 am In Person! All inclusive Birth and Infant care class 8a-4pm-multiple dates

Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center- East Campus

WORKSHOPS NONPROFIT
Class-1T Training Class FRI MORNING In-person
Fri, 14 Apr, 2023 at 09:00 am Class-1T Training Class FRI MORNING In-person

Operations Training Room 102, Logan International Airport

WORKSHOPS
It's Tarot Time: An Onstage Tarot Reading Comedy Show!
Mon, 15 May, 2023 at 07:00 pm It's Tarot Time: An Onstage Tarot Reading Comedy Show!

Trident Booksellers & Cafe

COMEDY ENTERTAINMENT
Afraid of Public Speaking? FREE Virtual Class to Banish Anxiety and Fears.
Sat, 27 May, 2023 at 08:00 pm Afraid of Public Speaking? FREE Virtual Class to Banish Anxiety and Fears.

Boston

WORKSHOPS PUBLIC-SPEAKING
Hands On Basic Electronics
Tue, 05 Sep, 2023 at 07:00 pm Hands On Basic Electronics

Artisan's Asylum

WORKSHOPS ART
Box Building 102
Sat, 09 Sep, 2023 at 10:00 am Box Building 102

Artisan's Asylum

WORKSHOPS ART
Boston Amateur Radio Club Monthly Meeting
Thu, 19 Oct, 2023 at 07:00 pm Boston Amateur Radio Club Monthly Meeting

Artisan's Asylum

WORKSHOPS
Master Public Speaking? FREE Virtual Class to Banish Anxiety and Fears.
Sat, 28 Oct, 2023 at 07:00 pm Master Public Speaking? FREE Virtual Class to Banish Anxiety and Fears.

Boston

WORKSHOPS PUBLIC-SPEAKING
Wax Carving a Ring
Mon, 05 Feb, 2024 at 06:00 pm Wax Carving a Ring

Artisan's Asylum

WORKSHOPS

What's Happening Next in Boston?

Discover Boston Events