According to Microsoft, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the capability of a computer system to mimic human cognitive functions such as learning and problem-solving. As artificial intelligence continues to spread and develop, research on how humans and artificial intelligence can coexist is becoming more important. Chung-Ang University also has a research institute focusing on 'Artificial Intelligence Humanities' research. It is the Chung-Ang University Humanities Research Institute (HRI). AI is a hot topic these days. Let's find out with CAH about the Chung-Ang University Humanities Research Institute, which is at the center of preparing for the future of artificial intelligence and human beings.

What Is Chung-Ang University Humanities Research Institute?

     Chung-Ang University HRI is conducting HK+[1] business research since November 2017, led by Professor Lee Chan-kyu of the Department of Korean Language and Literature at Chung-Ang University under the theme of "Building Artificial Intelligence Humanities Value." The HK+ project was launched to foster world-class humanities research institutes. According to the institute's website, the HRI aims to "proactively embrace the achievements of science and digital humanities, promote and realize the value of humanities in the AI era by communicating in the AI era." In other words, artificial intelligence humanities is the study of human values and artificial intelligence in the AI era. HRI is investigated in 5 sub-research fields: AI relationships communication dealing with human-AI communication issues, AI ethics dealing with side effects caused by AI, AI data analysis focusing on big data and humanity, AI socio-cultural studies, and AI technology criticism. The expected goals of each field respectively are: research, education, and diffusion of society. Research focuses on the establishment of artificial intelligence humanities; education aims for the establishment of an artificial intelligence humanities education system and training of succeeding generations; and humanities cooperatives is a plan in the field of diffusion of society. In response, HRI established the Local Humanities Center, a comprehensive humanities education center that produces, spreads, and shares humanities values related to the community, with the start of the HRI project in 2017. The Local Humanities Center has signed humanities education agreements with three districts (Dongjak-gu, Seocho-gu, and Yeongdeungpo-gu) near Chung-Ang University to conduct humanities public programs so that more citizens can improve their lives through humanities. Libraries and lifelong education facilities provide lifelong humanities education and nearby schools provide humanities education. Specifically, CAH would like to introduce some projects that are managed by HRI and activities that CAH readers can participate in as well as gain useful information.

Activities You Can Participate In

AI Humanities Colloquium

         For further cooperation with experts, HRI has conducted a regular Colloquium since August 2018. Colloquium means "talk together" in Latin and is a way of discussing topics with several people. At the beginning of the semester, the HRI website shows the schedule for the colloquium in the first and second half of the year. In 2019, Professor Shin Hyo-pil held under the theme of "Language Study Using Artificial Intelligence: Deep Learning and Language Meaning Study," and Korea Labor Institute's Kim Seung-taek held a colloquium about the "4th Industrial Revolution and Effects on Social Welfare Service Employment". Students who are interested can join the discussion by referring to the HRI website notice. However, the Colloquium is now postponed indefinitely due to COVID-19.

Humanities Festival

        A humanities festival is held every year to explore the desirable coexistence of humans and artificial intelligence. It was also held in March 2021 and consists of three categories: an artificial intelligence humanities academic thesis contest for university students, a creative media contest, and an AI humanities recommended book report contest. Recommended books related to artificial intelligence are also selected and published annually. Different books are recommended for elementary, middle/high school, and college students. If you write a book report based on this book, you can also participate in a book report contest for artificial intelligence. In 2021, four books including "AI Robot: How to Be Friends with Artificial Intelligence Era Robots", "My home room teacher is AI" were recommended to elementary students. 5 books including "Roboscape-Robots", "Artificial Intelligence and Future Society", and "Google, how did they utilize big-data?" were for middle and high school students, as well as eight books including "Alien Reports from the Future: SF Spacecraft to Artificial Humans", "AI, going to university VS Children, who can’t read textbooks" were recommended to adults and university students.

Research on artificial intelligence is constantly being conducted. At the same time, how humans can coexist with artificial intelligence is always a matter of discussion. Actually it is true that many students are interested in artificial intelligence. Chung-Ang University has also established an AI department in 2021. Chung-Ang University, which has the motto "The Beginning of Future Education," is preparing for the future artificial intelligence era with various projects and research. It is expected that Chung-Ang University and Chung-Ang University's HRI will make their goal in an era in which AI and humans are co-existing. If you are interested in various research activities conducted by Chung-Ang University's HRI, visit the HRI website (http://aihumanities.org/ko/) and check out the research activities, humanities festivals, and humanities education conducted by the institute.