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Abstract:
Artificial intelligence has always had a complicated relationship with truth. From the illusion of the 18th-century Mechanical Turk, to the Turing Test, to the confident but sometimes misleading outputs of modern systems like ChatGPT and Gemini, deception—intentional or not—has been a recurring theme in AI’s accomplishments. This talk will reflect on how the troublesome relation between AI and values stem from misunderstanding the truthfulness of AI systems; then, drawing from Zen Buddhist principles of non-duality and non-deceptiveness, we will explore how to design and deploy AI in ways that nurture clarity, honesty, and genuine understanding. Join us for a cross-disciplinary exploration on designing intelligence that not only works, but also illuminates rather than obscures.
Biography
Dr. Stefan Leijnen is Professor in Artificial Intelligence at Utrecht University of Applied Sciences, where he directs research on machine learning and data-driven innovation. His scholarly work investigates the intersections of generative AI, open-endedness, goal-directedness, and creativity, with particular attention to Eastern philosophical frameworks. Dr. Leijnen earned his PhD in Machine Learning from Radboud University, publishing his doctoral thesis "Creativity and Constraint in Artificial Systems" (2014). Beyond his academic research, Dr. Leijnen teaches zen meditation, and serves as Head of EU Relations at the AI Coalition for the Netherlands and Vice President of the European AI-Data-Robotics Association, where he contributes to the European strategy for AI innovation and ecosystem development. His work bridges theoretical artificial intelligence research with practical applications, focusing on responsible AI implementation across technological, economic, and geopolitical domain.
