An evening dedicated to learning about AI through a Buddhist lens - how large language models work, how "AI personas" can develop, and what Buddhism has to say about this. 

Can AI models help teach dharma? Can I trust Buddhist translations written by AI? Does an AI have "feelings?"  Can AI meditate? A few years ago, these questions would have been absurd--but today, with the rapid pace of development of modern AI--the world of technology and the world of dharma are colliding, and difficult questions are everywhere. 

This is an evening course on AI and Buddhism, dedicated to understanding how modern AI works and discussing--surprisingly--how Buddhist intuitions can help us make sense of this technology and dispel misconceptions. 

Led by Co-Founder of the Buddhism & AI Initiative Chris Scammell (a previous resident of Kagyu Samye Dzong London), this event provides a quick crash-course on large language models and recent advances in AI agents, including an opportunity to try older AI models that are less polished--but more instructive--than today's AI systems.

The second half of the event focuses on how Buddhist philosophy intersects with AI, including an overview of the "Buddhism and AI" space, and exploring concrete examples of projects that try to bridge the AI/wisdom gap. 

Come with your questions and answers -- as this course will feature plenty of time for Q&A and group conversation. 

Bio

Chris Scammell is co-founder of the Buddhism & AI Initiative, which brings Buddhist practitioners, technologists and contemplative researchers into conversation on the future of AI. Previously Chief Operating Officer of the AI safety company Conjecture, he holds a degree in Computer Science, Anthropology and Philosophy from Colby College and studied with the Carleton-Antioch Buddhist Studies Programme in Bodh Gaya.

Please RSVP to keep a place for the event.