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Let’s Talk About (Artificial) Consciousness: A Day of Study Honoring Dan Dennett

"Let’s Talk About (Artificial) Consciousness: A Day of Study Honoring Dan Dennett" is a symposium dedicated to exploring the relationship between artificial intelligence and consciousness.

This event will honor the intellectual legacy of the late Daniel Dennett, whose work has shaped contemporary debates in philosophy, cognitive science, and artificial intelligence. 

The symposium will convene leading experts across neuroscience, cognitive science, AI research, philosophy, and comparative cognition to examine the nature of consciousness, the feasibility of AI consciousness, and the ethical and societal implications of developing AI systems that may exhibit consciousness-like behavior.  

The event will feature scholarly talks and plenary panel discussions.

The day will conclude with a reception.

Location: 

Alumnae Lounge, Aidekman Arts Center, Medford/Somerville campus

Date:

Tuesday, October 14, 2025

 

Featured Speakers:

David Chalmers

University Professor of Philosophy and Neural Science, Co-Director of the Center for Mind, Brain, and Consciousness, New York University

Anna Ciaunica

Senior Researcher, Group of Artificial Intelligence for People and Society (GAIPS) INESC-ID

Felipe De Brigard

Professor of Philosophy and Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University

Brian Epstein

Associate Professor of Philosophy, Tufts University

Michael Halassa

Professor of Neuroscience and Psychiatry, Tufts University

Gina R. Kuperberg

Dennett Stibel Professor of Cognitive Science, Tufts University

Michael Levin

Vannevar Bush Professor of Biology, Tufts University; Founding Director, Allen Discovery Center, Tufts University

Matthias Scheutz

Karol Family Applied Technology Professor, Tufts University School of Engineering

Susan Schneider

Director, Center for the Future of AI, Mind and Society, Florida Atlantic University

Holly A. Taylor

Moses Hunt Professor of Psychology, Tufts University; Co-Director, Tufts Center of Applied Brain and Cognitive Sciences