DESMA-9 Week 1

Hi, everyone! My name is Laura and I have experience of both cultures. I grew up in an artistic household. My dad was a music teacher, and my mum is a fine artist. I began playing music when I was 3. The first thing I remember liking at school was painting. I loved writing stories when I was a child. However, I, like many of us, was told at a young age that pursuing a career in the Arts was less sensible due to the financial aspect. It was interesting to learn that, as Kevin Kelly writes, “Science has traditionally accepted…money with fewest political strings attached” (1).


I went to university for Law but quickly realized it wasn’t for me. Next, I went to university for Applied Physics. The same thing happened again so I left Scotland and moved to Ireland. There I began a career in acting, which brought me to Los Angeles. During the pandemic, I decided to go back to college. First, I did Psychology, but it turned out that Philosophy was my favorite subject. I am now a Philosophy major, and I am researching Ethics in AI in the Computer Science department. I suppose this means I am in the third culture, combining Philosophy and Science, which is unusual because, as Victoria Vesna writes, “philosophers…do not work closely with scientists” (2). I agree with Sir Ken Robinson that ‘collaboration is the stuff of growth” (3).



My goal after graduation is to work in Ethics in AI, to help ensure the responsible and safe development of Artificial Intelligence. I agree with the perspective of the writers that the gap between Art and Science should be bridged. I agree with Steven Pinker (4) that it’s hard to predict if this will happen, but I hope so. I hope egos won’t get in the way, as hinted at by C. P. Snow (5). I did not notice before how the departments are separated on campus. I will try to incorporate some bridging of this gap into my research.


1. Kelly, Kevin. “The Third Culture.” Edge, https://www.edge.org/conversation/kevin_kelly-the-third-culture. Accessed 5 April 2024.

2. Vesna, Victoria. “Toward a Third Culture: Being in Between.” Leonardo, vol. 34, no. 2, 2001, pp. 121–125., https://doi.org/10.1162/002409401750184672.

3. “RSA ANIMATE: Changing Education Paradigms.” YouTube, YouTube, 14 Oct. 2010, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDZFcDGpL4U. Accessed 5 Apr. 2024.

4. “SEEDMAGAZINE.COM Two Cultures Steven Pinker.” YouTube, YouTube, 18 May, 2010, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1BUbVc7qVpg&t=1s. Accessed 5 Apr. 2024

5. Snow, C. P. “The Two Cultures and the Scientific Revolution.” Cambridge University Press, 1959.



Comments

  1. Sydney OlofeApril 7, 2024 at 12:23 PM

    Hi Laura, I think it's really cool that you're studying about the ethics behind AI. When it comes to debating about whether or not AI is practical to use in academia there's a huge divide, as some people believe that AI is enhancing their work and others believe that it's hindering the learning of individuals. Most people tend to look at the negatives of AI and are quick to assume that we're 'going backwards' as a society as we start to rely more and more on the program. What are your thoughts about the emergence of AI? I would love to hear it!

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  2. karentorresDESMA9April 7, 2024 at 3:25 PM

    Hello Laura,
    Your story perfectly illustrates the essence of the 'third culture,' where the convergence of disciplines like philosophy and science can lead to groundbreaking insights, especially in areas like Ethics in AI. I was recently reading an article on how AI has been responding with some very stereotypical, racist, and divisive feedback. Your goal to contribute ethically to the development of Artificial Intelligence is commendable and necessary in our rapidly evolving tech landscape.
    It's interesting to reflect on how campus structures often mirror the broader societal divisions between disciplines, something that you're now keenly aware of and wish to address in your research. This perspective could be pivotal in fostering a more integrated academic environment, which could, in turn, influence broader societal views on interdisciplinary collaboration. Your narrative is a testament to the value of exploring diverse fields and the potential for interdisciplinary work to create innovative solutions to complex problems.
    - Karen



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  3. Alessia NobilioApril 7, 2024 at 6:38 PM

    Hi Laura, I found your story very inspiring. The way you navigated through various disciplines and cultural influences to find your path in the intersection of philosophy and science definitely shows your resilience, determination and makes me more willing to strive for my passions. I truly think that by combining all the elements from both philosophy and science will give you the potential to be more creative, innovative , further helping you in the rapidly evolving field of AI. As I mentioned in my post, I truly believe that applying this interdisciplinary approach helps people addressing socio-economic challenges more than people who focus on either arts or sciences. I'm sure that this, combined with your commitment and proactive attitude, will pay off in the long term. Best of luck on your journey and I’m excited to see where it takes you!
    Alessia

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