Lethal Autonomous Weapons: Should we TERMINATE the AI Arms Race?

An arms race is underway of which many (if not most of us) are unaware. Weapons of war are being created that can kill with no human at the controls. Artificial intelligence can choose a target and unleash a hail of destruction completely on its own. Warships roam the seas with no one driving the boat. Today, at least, human decision is required to verify a target and pull the trigger, but this is a withering restriction. For the month of July, we will be discussing the topic of "Lethal Autonomous Weapons:" and asking the question, "Should we TERMINATE the AI Arms Race?"

Amy Fletcher is our guest presenter for this meeting. When she first became aware of the STFK Science Café, she was an Associate Professor at the University of Canterbury in Christchurch, New Zealand. Now retired, she is a Visiting Professor of Political Science at Eastern Kentucky University. She will be speaking in-person at our meeting location at the Outdoor Pavilion at Ijams Nature Center.

This meeting will take place on Wednesday, July 14, 2021 from 5:30 to 7:00 P.M. It is FREE to attend, and everyone is welcome. Complimentary snacks and soft drinks are provided. Please make plans now to attend. RSVP by sending an e-mail message to rsvp@knoxsciencecafe.org.

Children are welcome to attend any of the Science Café meetings with their parents! For ages 5-12, we offer a Kid's Café program in a nearby area (in the Visitor’s Center building) with a science lesson and activities that help make learning science fun! Kids can participate with the permission of their parents while the parents enjoy the adult-level discussion. For proper planning purposes, it is important that our children's director knows in advance how many kids will be attending and their ages.

If you are not ready for an in-person meeting (even though this one will be held outdoors), please send me a message to let me know.

The STFK Science Café and Kid's Café are co-sponsored by the Associated Professional Think Tank. For more information, contact David Fox, (865)803-2887.