What does it mean to be intelligent - and who gets to decide?

The concepts of human and artificial «intelligence» have co-evolved conceptually since the 1950s, yet the disciplines that study each rarely sit in the same room. This track unites researchers from cognitive science, neurinformatics, history of of technology, computer science and art into genuine dialogue about what «intelligence» actually means - and what is at stake when we build systems modelled on contested definitions of it.

Participants can expect short provocations followed by moderated cross-disciplinary discussions. The format is designed to make translation between fields productive. Audience participation is strongly encouraged.

Speakers

Prof. Dr. Christoph Hoelscher (ETH Zurich):
A Short History of Intelligence

The idea that intelligence is a mental trait you can measure objectively, and use to rank people by ability, has its origins in 19th century psychology and education research. Deep controversy remains about the source, structure and dimensions qualifying as intelligent behavior. This talk shows how our beliefs about the nature of intelligence shape how we build AI systems, and how we judge their effects on human wellbeing, behavior, and society.

Prof. Dr. Melika Payvand (University of Zurich):

What Is Intelligence Made Of?

What does physical substance contribute to intelligence? Intelligence needs internal models that let a system predict and shape its future. Biology suggests that the dynamics of intelligence, its modular structure and its ability to adapt without losing function is deeply shaped by the physical substance from which it emerges. Drawing on brain-inspired hardware, I’ll explore how computation changes when the material doesn't just carry the process but takes part in it, helping the system predict, adapt, and absorb damage without breaking.

Prof. Dr. Jonnie Penn (University of Cambridge):

Decomputerisation as a Social Safeguard: Shifting Notions of Intelligence in the 21st Century

Not since the Y2K 'millennium bug' have leaders had reason to reckon with how deeply and risky our societies depend on digital infrastructure. In the decades ahead, climate change will test the fragile supply chains behind our computers, and chipmakers face off against citizens over scarce clean water and electricity. Against this background, I examine where AI is heading. I argue that 'strategic decomputerisation' – deliberately and selectively reducing our dependence on computers – may be needed to tackle the risks.

Dr. Manuel Flurin Hendry (Zurich University of the Arts):

Artificial «Intelligence» and its Myths

Fiction in the Western Hemisphere has rehearsed the artificial human for millennia. Creatures like Talos, the Golem, Maria in Metropolis or HAL in 2001 constitute a cultural unconscious from which we draw our AI-related goals, our fears – and sometimes even our funding decks. Against the background of my own practice with machine performance on stage and in installation, I will present a cartography of the artificial human in the occidental tradition, and the jagged frontier between fact and fiction.

Prof. Dr. Menna El-Assady (ETH Zurich):

Coming soon.