Tang Chun-I Visiting Professor (Spring 2024)

Jessica Wilson
Professor of Philosophy, the University of Toronto

Biography and selected bibliography:
Jessica Wilson (PhD Cornell University, 2002) is Professor of Philosophy at the University of Toronto (first arriving in 2005); she was Regular Distinguished Visiting Professor at the University of Edinburgh (2013–2016), and William Wilhartz Assistant Professor at the University of Michigan (2001–2005). In 2014, Wilson was co-recipient of the Lebowitz Prize for Philosophical Achievement and Contribution, and in 2022, Wilson was named the University of Toronto Scarborough Research Excellence Faculty Scholar. Wilson has been awarded many grants, including three multi-year Social Science and Humanities Research Council grants, and many visiting fellowships, including to the Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne, the University of Milan, the Instituto de Investigadores Filosóficos (UNAM), the Arché Centre for Metaphysics, Language, Logic and Epistemology (St. Andrews), and the Centre for Consciousness (Australian National University). Wilson is a past President of the Society for the Metaphysics of Science, and is currently an editor of Nous.

Delivered in English, all are welcome

Link to synchronous online broadcast:
https://cuhk.zoom.us/j/95701837605

Enquiries: 3943 7135
Email: philosophy@cuhk.edu.hk
Website: http://phil.arts.cuhk.edu.hk

Public Lecture:
The Insuperable Problem of Other AI Minds
Date: 8 April 2024 (Mon)
Time: 4:30pm-6:30pm
Venue: Cho Yiu Hall (with synchronous online broadcast)

Abstract:
The question of whether AI systems of sufficient complexity are conscious has been much in the news of late, especially as regards large language models such as LaMDA, ChatGPT, and GPT-4. But can we know or justifiably believe that a given AI system is conscious? Here I canvass strategies offered in response to the problem of other minds---the question of how we can warrantedly establish that persons or other animals are conscious---and argue that these strategies won't work for the case of AI, for reasons that appear to be insuperable. I conclude that we are not now, and will likely never be in position to warrantedly establish of any AI system that it is conscious.

Public Lecture:
The Insuperable Problem of Other AI Minds
Date: 8 April 2024 (Mon)
Time: 4:30pm-6:30pm
Venue: Cho Yiu Hall (with synchronous online broadcast)

Abstract:
The question of whether AI systems of sufficient complexity are conscious has been much in the news of late, especially as regards large language models such as LaMDA, ChatGPT, and GPT-4. But can we know or justifiably believe that a given AI system is conscious? Here I canvass strategies offered in response to the problem of other minds---the question of how we can warrantedly establish that persons or other animals are conscious---and argue that these strategies won't work for the case of AI, for reasons that appear to be insuperable. I conclude that we are not now, and will likely never be in position to warrantedly establish of any AI system that it is conscious. Attend Do not attend
Departmental Seminar:
Determinable-based Persistence through Change
Date: 22 April 2024 (Mon)
Time: 4:30pm-6:30pm
Venue: Room 220, Fung King Hey Building (with synchronous online broadcast)

Abstract:
I offer a new metaphysical account of what it is for an object to persist through change. On my proposed view, when an object undergoes change, this involves the object’s essentially having a determinable property (e.g., shape), which property is differently determined at different times (e.g., first as straight, then as bent). I argue that this account has advantages over existing accounts of persistence through change (including endurantism and perdurantism), including that it makes sense of how objects can be 'wholly present' at each time they exist, without inviting contradiction. *

Departmental Seminar:
Determinable-based Persistence through Change
Date: 22 April 2024 (Mon)
Time: 4:30pm-6:30pm
Venue: Room 220, Fung King Hey Building (with synchronous online broadcast)

Abstract:
I offer a new metaphysical account of what it is for an object to persist through change. On my proposed view, when an object undergoes change, this involves the object’s essentially having a determinable property (e.g., shape), which property is differently determined at different times (e.g., first as straight, then as bent). I argue that this account has advantages over existing accounts of persistence through change (including endurantism and perdurantism), including that it makes sense of how objects can be 'wholly present' at each time they exist, without inviting contradiction. Attend Do Not Attend
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1. Provision of personal data is voluntary. The information collected will be used for the purposes of events and communication related to the Department and related responsible organization for this event. Only authorized personnel in the Department can access the information. The Department will promote and disseminate information such as talks, services and research information to you by post, email or phone. You have the right to make subsequent changes on your choice of receiving further promotional information by notifying us in written format.

2. Under the provisions of the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance, you can access and apply for amendment of the data in this form. Please contact our Institute staff if necessary.

3. The Institute will use the photos and videos taken from events in organizing and promotional purposes. If you do not agree with the relevant arrangements, you may submit your wishes and notify us in written format before the event.

I have read, understood and agreed with the above terms and conditions.
Disclaimer The personal data collected will be used by Department of Philosophy (PHI) and authorised personnel for processing the captioned purposes in accordance with relevant provisions of the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance.