The latest episode of the Artificial Intelligence podcast from MMC Ventures gives a good introduction to AI addressing the following questions: How does AI work? When does AI break down? Will artificial neural networks start to resemble biological neural networks (animals’ brains)? In this episode the host inteviews Dr. Janet Bastiman, who provides an accessible… Continue reading Understanding AI Technology
I’m proud that my home state is the site of the new National Memorial for Peace and Justice, sometimes called “the lynching memorial.” We need to remember the history of hate that has scarred our nation. In remembering perhaps we will be able to stop the resurgence of bigotry that we are witnessing. The following… Continue reading National Memorial for Peace and Justice
If you are a teacher, you will find Teaching Hard History from Teaching Tolerance very useful in addressing the social realities faced by your students. Hosted by Professor Hasan Jeffries, this series has leading scholars and educators present lessons we should have learned in school—but almost certainly did not. Through this series Teaching Tolerance is… Continue reading Teaching Hard History: American Slavery, from Teaching Tolerance
I recently completed listening to the 179 episodes of Mike Duncan’s History of Rome Podcast. While I have studied some parts of the history of Rome in detail, I learned a great deal more by listening to this well researched podcast. Duncan introduced me to periods of Roman history I knew little about and did… Continue reading Mike Duncan and the History of Rome
English: I have added a new page for Diana Uribe’s magnificent history of Ireland. I highly recommend her work and wish that there were an equivalent in English. If you speak Spanish (Castellano) you will greatly enjoy her podcast. With twenty-six episodes on Ireland, you are unlikely to ever find a more in-depth narration of… Continue reading History of Ireland — Historia de Irlanda
Tomorrow morning we will share a continental breakfast and brainstorm about topics covered this year and ideas for future classes. Feel free to join us even if it’s been a while since you attended. We would love to have you. I would like to thank all of you for the wonderful discussions you have led,… Continue reading Our final meeting: Breakfast and Ideas
Last week Karen Mills led us in a great discussion of Artificial Intelligence in movies. Several of you requested to have her presentation on the website so that you could have access to the wonderful list of movies she included. Her presentation is now uploaded, and you can see it here.
This Sunday we will have the pleasure of receiving Brian Foreman, Art Sherwood’s son-in-law, for a stimulating discussion of vocation, or calling. Both futurists and economists agree that hundreds of thousands of people will be displaced from their current jobs in the decades ahead. They disagree over whether this will create an economic crisis. Economists,… Continue reading Vocation in a world with ever-changing jobs
I am looking forward to a stimulating discussion this Sunday of ethical issues raised in movies through portrayals of artificial intelligence. Karin Mills will lead the discussion focusing on movies that are among her favorites. Come ready for to participate! From Short Circuit and Blade Runner through the Terminator movies and even in very recent films,… Continue reading Science Fiction: Artificial Intelligence at the Movies
I have uploaded the presentation that I will use for our discussion of the church—and our church in particular—in the digital age. You can view the presentation here.
