Artificial Intelligence is the next topic of Nebraska Wesleyan University’s 2025 Communication in the Modern World lecture series.
This thought-provoking event will spark important conversations about the evolving relationship between humans and technology.
On Friday, March 28, 2025, at 1:00 PM, Dr. Autumn Edwards, Distinguished Professor at Western Michigan University, will explore the ethical and practical implications of communication with artificial partners like AI and social robots. Should we treat virtual assistants like Alexa with kindness? What are the ethical considerations in interacting with robots?
Drawing on major ethical frameworks—such as deontological, utilitarian, virtue, and relational ethics—Dr. Edwards will guide the audience through the complexities of how our interactions with artificial agents can shape and be shaped by structured relationships and classifications. She will also discuss how communication with AI might impact human relationships, raising critical questions about the future of human-AI interactions.
This lecture comes at a time when AI and robotics are deeply embedded in daily life. As technology continues to advance, Dr. Edwards' insights will challenge attendees to rethink assumptions about how we engage with machines and the broader social and ethical implications of these interactions.
The event will be held at the Callen Conference Center, and the audience is encouraged to attend, whether on- or off-campus. Be sure to check out a related Scientific American article where Dr. Edwards is quoted on this very topic: Should You Be Nice to AI Chatbots?
This timely lecture will tie into NWU’s ongoing AI training initiatives for faculty, ensuring that attendees gain a comprehensive understanding of the issues.