Humanities, AI and the Digital Age (May 2025)

The AUS Center for Arabic Studies and Islamic Civilizations (CASIC) is hosting a conference to explore the critical intersections between the humanities—including philosophy and theology—in addressing the rapid advancements in science and technology shaping our world. The primary objective is to advance the understanding of the implications of the digital and the complexities and potential challenges surrounding artificial intelligence (AI). The conference will also examine how digital technologies transform scholarship, pedagogy, translation, and cultural representation in the context of the Arab and Islamic worlds.

The conference will also explore the philosophical arguments surrounding AI, particularly how philosophy—alongside Islamic ethical and theological traditions—can provide valuable insights to navigate the challenges posed by AI. By bringing philosophical discourse to the forefront, the conference seeks to bridge a gap in public and academic engagement with the cultural and ethical dimensions of AI.

Through its diverse panels and roundtable discussions, the conference will enable critical reflection on the cultural implications of human-technology interactions that recent developments in AI and robotics have rapidly transformed. Speakers will reflect on the impact of technological innovations and how to align AI systems with human values and social norms, tackling issues such as concepts of accountability, responsibility ethics and human uniqueness in the Age of AI, debates surrounding Trans-Humanism, equal educational opportunities, art and AI, and cultural identity. Participants will also consider how digital humanities are shaping our understanding of histories and cultures, language, or even the dissemination of values, and arts and creativities. There will also be a reflection on the challenges that educators face as they navigate profound social, economic, political changes; how to respond to these challenges; and how to integrate philosophy and ethics into AI in the realm of education.

Conference Participants

• Professor Hureyre Kam: [email protected]
• Professor Paolo Dario: [email protected]
• Dr. Khaled Al-Kassimi: [email protected]
• Dr. Maha Shuayb: [email protected]
• Dr. Annouchka Bayley: [email protected]
• Dr:  Mohammed Ghaly: [email protected]
• David Wrisley: [email protected]
• Martin C. Wilhelm: [email protected]

For more information, contact [email protected].