Agenda

Hybrid Minds, Art and Archaeology: Is AI a new Brain?

Abstract
The lecture "Hybrid Minds, Art and Archaeology: Is AI a new Brain?" explores the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) with human creativity and historical inquiry. It delves into how AI, often perceived as a computational tool, is evolving into a collaborator in artistic and archaeological fields. The concept of "hybrid minds" refers to the synergy between human intuition and AI's analytical capabilities, leading to new paradigms in creating and interpreting art and historical artifacts. 
In art, AI has transcended its role as a mere tool, becoming a creative partner that can generate, enhance, and inspire new forms of artistic expression. This collaboration challenges traditional notions of authorship and creativity, raising questions about the nature of art and the role of human imagination in an increasingly automated world. 
In archaeology, AI's ability to process vast amounts of data and recognize patterns has revolutionized the way we understand ancient civilizations. From predicting the locations of undiscovered sites to reconstructing fragmented artifacts, AI enhances our capacity to interpret historical data, offering deeper insights into the past. 
​​​​​​​The lecture probes whether AI, in these capacities, is becoming a new "brain" that augments human cognitive processes, pushing the boundaries of what we can achieve in art and archaeology. It invites a discussion on the ethical implications and future potential of this hybrid intelligence.

Maurizio Forte (Duke University) PhD, is William and Sue Gross Distinguished Professor of Classical Studies Art, Art History, and Visual Studies at Duke University. He was a pioneer in digital archaeology and the first archaeologist working in a Supercomputing Center (CINECA) in the 80-90s. He was recently awarded the Saint Francis Prize in Techno-Humanities 2024 for his work in the field of Digital Humanities. This Prize is to be presented to individuals or institutions in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the development of technologies in the humanities for the well-being of humankind. He is also the founder and Director of the DIG@Lab (for a digital knowledge of the past) at Duke University and director of the ArchaeoDrone lab (Chianciano, Italy). His main research topics are: digital archaeology, Etruscan and Pre-Roman archaeology, classical archaeology, AI (artificial intelligence) and neuro-archaeology. His primary archaeological research questions concern the development, transformation and decline of ancient cities and the diachronic study of archaeological landscapes. 

Registration for online participation: link