Noontime Notions – Science Series – Understanding Artificial Intelligence (AI)

The Noontime Notions series at the Transylvania County Library resumes in April with a presentation by Dr. Thomas Lairson, “Understanding Artificial Intelligence (AI)”. The program will begin at noon in the Rogow Room at the Transylvania County Library. Noontime Notions programs feature authors, performers, and presenters providing engaging notions for consideration, enjoyment, and discovery. This is the first in a short series of Noontime Notions programs focusing on science.  Additional programs will be on Tuesday, April 23 and Tuesday, April 30.  The program is made possible by the Friends of the Library and will last approximately one hour.

Few topics have received as much attention recently as Artificial Intelligence (AI).  However, most people probably aren’t sure of what it is, how it works, how it is used, or where it might be headed. Dr. Thomas Lairson will share his expertise providing an overview of AI, with details on the hardware and neural network software necessary for the training and operation of AI, the development of Deep Learning, potential AI innovations, AI applications for scientific research, fears and worries about AI, and the geopolitics of AI.

Dr. Lairson holds a Ph.D. in political science from the University of Kentucky and his teaching and publications focused on the international political economy of Asia, with a special emphasis on China. He taught at several Chinese universities as well as in India and Vietnam and is currently completing a book on Chinese technology and innovation, with chapters on the conflict between the U.S. and China over Artificial Intelligence.

He retired from Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida as a Professor of Political Science and has lived part-time in Brevard for more than twenty years.

This program is made possible by funding from the Friends of the Transylvania County Library, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing and supporting Transylvania County Library programs and services. The Friends raise funds through memberships, donations, and through used book sales at the Second Story Book Store and at annual sales. To learn more, visit library.transylvaniacounty.org/fol.

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