Duquesne Symposium Examines the Ethics of Algorithms

Duquesne University will explore tech policy and the ethics of artificial intelligence algorithms at the Tech Ethics Symposium on Friday, October 28 from the University's Carl G. Grefenstette Center for Ethics in Science, Technology and Law.

This one-day symposium will bring experts from technology, theology, business and government together to dialogue on new solutions to difficult problems, such as the limits of reducing bias in new technology, holding big tech companies accountable, and creating impactful policies and regulations.  

The symposium keynote conversation will feature Dr. Alondra Nelson, deputy assistant to the president and deputy director for science and society at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, and Bishop Paul Tighe, secretary of the Culture Section of the Vatican Dicastery for Culture and Education.  

"This marks the first ever official dialogue between a U.S. federal government official and a Vatican representative on the ethics of modern technology," said Dr. John Slattery, director of the Grefenstette Center. "With so many voices in the tech ethics conversation, we are committed to finding solutions through dialogue, and the Grefenstette Center is thrilled to be a place where so many renown experts continue to have impactful discussions."   

In addition to the keynote conversation, the event will feature panel discussions on theology, philosophy, business, and policy, as well as posters and research presentations by students throughout the Pittsburgh area. Duquesne President Ken Gormley and Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald will provide welcoming remarks.  

Following the University's legacy of having faculty and students learn together, the Grefenstette Center explores the intersections between ethics and technology, drawing from Duquesne's nine schools to conduct research, build curricula and host programs that will create a more ethical future. The center is committed to strengthening partnerships with leading research institutions, businesses, non-profits, policymaking institutions, Catholic colleges and universities, and communities of different faith traditions across the globe.  

The conference is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 28, from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. at Duquesne's Power Center and virtually. Registration is free for in-person or virtual attendees. For more information and to register for the conference, visit the symposium site.