In a time when individuals are extremely divided by political and social beliefs, a group of faculty members have come together to show the campus community how to handle these differing opinions in a civil manner: through dialogue. On Thursday, Feb. 13, Fisher held a session of “The Cavanaugh Dialogues,” an event where four professors openly discussed their opposing views on Artificial Intelligence’s (AI) potential to either enhance or deter human dignity. While there were no determined winners or losers, the debate concluded with new perspectives and open minds on the topic.
The dialogue began with opening arguments from each of the four professors. Dr. Barbara Lowe of the humanities department and Dr. Henry Moscicki of the School of Nursing held the affirmative position. Lowe held the perspective that AI can be used to create empathy-inducing experiences which enhance human flourishing, while Moscicki focused on the benefits of AI use in the healthcare sector to create more efficient patient experience.
On the opposing side were Dr. Guillermo Montes of the School of Education, and Dr. Nancy Rourke of the humanities department. Montes defended the position that AI is not being properly handled by businesses and governments, causing major safety concerns. Rourke spoke on the capability of AI systems to make decisions for itself, and the moral questionability that comes along with it.
The hope is “That you [Fisher students] may be able to thoughtfully engage with students who hold different opinions, in ways that have the potential to transform them, to transform you, and to transform the student with whom you are engaged.”
With the opening of The Cavanaugh Dialogues, the dialogue moderator, who serves as William and Helen Cavanaugh Chair of Catholic Studies, Reverend George Smith began explaining the mission of the event: to encourage students to hold civil and respectful conversations with those who differ from them. Through this display of respectful debate, the hope is “That you [Fisher students] may be able to thoughtfully engage with students who hold different opinions, in ways that have the potential to transform them, to transform you, and to transform the student with whom you are engaged.”
Following the opening statements made by each professor to argue their position, the four participants were encouraged to question each other’s stance. Each faculty member was given the opportunity to propose a question to a fellow panelist, as well as defend and even rethink their own arguments. Finally, Reverend Smith offered the microphone to the crowd, allowing the audience members a chance to ask a question to any of the faculty panelists.
In the past, Fisher’s Cavanaugh Events have included The Cavanaugh Lecture, a chance for students to hear different perspectives from various speakers; The Cavanaugh Readings, featuring creative writers who share their work with students and answer questions; The Cavanaugh Speaker Series, a lecture from a notable speaker; and The Cavanaugh Dialogues, which allows faculty members to come together and discuss a current topic of interest.
The next event is the Cavanaugh Reading Series on March 12 at 6 p.m. featuring Mark Broomfield.
