This web page, set up by a member of the Wisconsin Chapter of the Society of Catholic Scientists is a temporary or provisional page primarily to provide information for a "Gold Mass" to be offered in Madison, Wisconsin. There is a custom of having special Masses offered in connection with gatherings of people of particular occupations, and referring to these Masses by a color. For example, a "Red" Mass pertains to those in the profession of Law, and "White" to those in the Health Care Profession.
The "Gold" Mass is offered in connection with those specializing, by degree, training, or occupation, in Science, Engineering, Technology, or Mathematics (often referred to as the "STEM" professions), and those providing education in these fields. The first "Gold" Mass to be offered in the Diocese of Madison or anywhere in the State of Wisconsin was in April of 2022, at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Downtown Madison. The second Wisconsin Gold Mass was at St. Norbert College in the Diocese of Green Bay in the Fall of 2022.
As noted, the Gold Mass will be offered at Blessed Sacrament Church. This will be at 1500 Central Time on Sunday, 19 November 2023. Mass will be followed by dinner and a public lecture. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass will be offered by Fr. David Wanish. Fr. David received his college degrees in Mathematics and Engineering Mechanics prior to his entering the seminary.
The lecture title will be: "The Human Simulacrum/The Good, Bad, and Ugly of Artificial Intelligence" to be delivered by Dr. Tim Carone.
The absract is below.
The deadline for formally registering for the dinner portion of the program has passed. I apologize for not realizing that the form-submittal script mandated supplying ALL information. My intention was to have this be more flexible.
If you were unable to register via the web form, or did not feel comfortable caving into the demands of the web form for ALL information, and refrained from registering, then
please, before Tuesday night, 14 November,
send e-mail to scsmadisonwisconsin@gmail.com, indicating:
1. Your name and your field
2. Your e-mail address and best telephone number
3. Whether you will stay for the dinner and lecture
4. If staying for dinner, how many will be in your party, and what dietary restrictions are in the group and who needs a special meal.
If e-mail does not work for you, then please call Richard Bonomo's home landline, (608) 258-8613, and leave a message with your name and telephone number.
Here is the abstract for the talk:
Abstract:
Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) offers a rich simulation of human cognition. This talk examines the implications of these technologies on society, faith, and our ethical compass. What is good about AI? AI showcases human innovation and creativity. Mirroring human thought, these systems illuminate the intricacies of our creation, drawing parallels with divine artistry. What is bad about AI? The unchecked advance of AI risks pushing society towards a latent totalitarianism. Its omnipresence and surveillance potentials may encroach upon our cherished freedoms, challenging our moral convictions. What is the Ugly? The spread of AI threatens societal bifurcation. It may amplify biases and, worryingly, amplify the existing rise in humanist atheist policies, overshadowing faith's guiding light. This talk delves into AI's interplay with society and spirituality, underscoring the distinction between simulating cognition and embodying divine consciousness and faith. We must remember, while AI can simulate the wonders of human cognition, the divine spark of consciousness, morality, and faith can never be replicated by lines of code.
Please spread the word to your colleagues and friends who are in STEM fields.
Thank you.
If you have questions, please send e-mail: scsmadisonwisconsin@gmail.com, or call Richard Bonomo, telephone (608) 258-8613.