Discover How Howard University President Ben Vinson Unpacks ‘Artificial Intelligence in an Age After Reason’ at MIT Lecture

What if important discoveries, like electricity or the printing press, were only available to a select few? How would that have impacted human progress and the rights of all people? Today, as artificial intelligence (AI) becomes more and more woven into our daily lives, we face similar questions. Can we use AI and still hold on to what makes us human?

During a recent talk at MIT, Howard University President Ben Vinson III shed light on these issues. His lecture, titled “AI In an Age After Reason: A Discourse on Fundamental Human Questions,” explored the connection between our past and our future, emphasizing how our view of humanity has evolved.

Vinson pointed out that, historically, human reasoning was often limited by societal norms. For example, in times when science was celebrated, some people claimed that only a few could truly understand it. This belief led to the idea that those who could not reason were less than human. Unfortunately, this mindset justified many injustices throughout history.

He expressed concern that similar attitudes could arise with the growth of AI. As machines begin to mimic human intelligence and decision-making, we must ask ourselves how this affects our understanding of humanity. He noted, “Reasoning has been used to define not just what it means to be human, but who qualifies as fully human.”

AI is different from traditional computing. While older machines followed strict commands, AI can learn and make decisions on its own. This ability could greatly benefit society, but it also poses risks. If we don’t manage the development of AI wisely, we could face significant challenges to our existence.

Vinson’s insights reflect his unique perspective as a scholar and a leader at one of America’s historically Black colleges. Howard University is at the forefront of AI research, leading initiatives that aim to ensure the technology serves all humanity. For example, the university collaborates with the U.S. Air Force on the Research Institute for Tactical Autonomy (RITA), focusing on autonomous technologies.

As the dialogue around AI continues, Vinson emphasizes the importance of diversity in shaping its development. He argues that we must ensure AI reflects a wide range of voices, avoiding biases embedded in technology over the years. He stated, “We have an obligation to ensure that AI is shaped by diverse voices, not by historical biases encoded into algorithms.”

The conversation around AI is continuing to evolve, and it’s crucial for all of us to engage in shaping its future — one that should benefit everyone, not just a select few.



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