Can Machines Think? (with Chris Callison-Burch)

​Penn Linguistics introduces the first session of the three-session workshop series The New Mind. This session offers beginner-friendly insights into how LLMs work on the technical level, exposes differences between learning and memorisation, zooms in on the notion of agency, and fosters critical thinking about the relationship between language, cognition, and computation.

​Participants interested in computationally accurate and at the same time socially impactful research will have an opportunity to engage with foundational concepts that will empower them to integrate computational perspectives into their own academic fields in a meaningful way. All researchers—from aspiring scientists to senior scholars—as well as those simply curious about AI are welcome to join.

​Vegan, kosher, and allergen-friendly food will be served at the venue.

​The talk will commence at 3.30 PM but participants are very welcome to come in ahead of time and enjoy a cup of tea with snacks.