Can machines think? Perhaps more important – should they?

Lisa Joy

Scholars, writers and film producers will explore these questions and others related to the development of artificial intelligence during Beyond Human: Emotion and A.I., a free panel discussion planned at Chapman University on Tuesday, Feb. 13, at 7 p.m. in Memorial Hall.

Among the panelists will be Lisa Joy, cocreator, co-showrunner and executive producer of the HBO hit series Westworld, a science-fiction thriller series populated by robots and humans. The panel will discuss how humanity is handling the psychological, philosophical and spiritual impacts of artificial intelligence on contemporary life.

A related event is scheduled Wednesday, Feb. 7, at 7 p.m. in Memorial Hall when podcaster, bestselling author and speaker Mike McHargue will record a live episode of his weekly podcast Ask Science Mike.

Chapman’s Wilkinson College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences is sponsoring both events as part of its Interstices 2018 programming. Admission is free and open to the public and seating is first come, first served.