This Claremont Discourse* lecture, titled Thinking Critically About AI, features Pomona College Assistant Professor of Computer Science Joseph Osborn.

Large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT and image synthesis models like DALL-E have come to typify the term "AI" in the public imagination. These software systems are often perceived as inscrutable, omniscient, naive, charming and – above all – very, very strange. This strangeness is accentuated by economic trends in automation of customer service, outreach and professional communications, and accelerated by massive investment in startups and infrastructure specifically built for LLMs.

It has also become a dangerous strangeness, eroding trust in college applicants, students' homework submissions and information on the internet at large. For example, the potential for the rapid spread of election interference and misinformation is currently a hotly discussed topic.

In this talk, Dr. Osborn will employ his training in AI to explain and explicate the seemingly ongoing LLM frenzy, from its technical foundations to its economic context. This means that no matter your level of knowledge or experience with AI, you are sure to take away some valuable insights.

Claremont Discourse lectures are free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be provided starting at 4 p.m.

* Established in 1998, the Claremont Discourse lecture series is a forum for faculty at The Claremont Colleges to present their current research, publications, and creative projects from a wide variety of disciplines. Please note that any views or opinions expressed by presenters in the course of a Claremont Discourse lecture do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs, or values of The Claremont Colleges Services or The Claremont Colleges as a consortium or as individual institutions. For more information or if you would like to suggest a topic for a future Claremont Discourse lecture, please reach out to discourse@claremont.edu.