January 4, 2018

 Symposium Trailer: Still Young

CALL FOR PAPERS AND PARTICIPATION

Artificial Intelligence and Buddhism

The Eighth World Youth Buddhist Symposium

Chiang Rai, Thailand

July 25-28, 2018

ORGANISERS

Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai, Thailand

Cherntawan International Meditation Center

World Youth Buddhist Society

CO-ORGANISERS

Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University, Chiang Mai Campus

The Center for the Study of Chan Buddhism and Human Civilization of the Chinese University of Hong Kong

PolyU Buddhist Studies Group PUBSG

A.I. is permeating our day-to-day lives. It is poised to dramatically change everything from how we pay on our iPhoneX, to who we befriend (say, a humanoid like ‘Sophia’), to whether we still enjoy playing chess with AlphaGo, to how we meditate like a Zen master at the push of a button…

We stand on the brink of a technological revolution that is transforming the way we live, work, and worship at exponential speed. Boosted by the ‘almighty’ algorithms, the transformation, in its scale, scope, and complexity, is unlike anything humankind has experienced before.

The idea that human history is approaching a ‘singularity’—that ordinary humans will be outsmarted and overtaken by A.I. machines—has moved from the realm of science fiction to reality. Thus, how may Buddhism actively embrace the emerging challenges and opportunities in the age of A.I.? It’s time for us to examine the impacts of A.I. on our consciousness, cognitive liberty, states of mind, and ultimately, the path to enlightenment.

BRIEF OVERVIEW

This symposium has invited renowned academic researchers and influential spiritual leaders to reflect on A.I and Buddhism.

Academic scholars, university students and recent graduates from multiple disciplines, as well as members of Dharma centers or spiritual groups are welcome to participate in the symposium either by submitting a paper or simply registering as an audience member. 

The organizers will provide all accepted attendees (paper authors and audience members) accommodation, meals and local transportation during the conference period for free.

The program includes interfaith dialogues, keynote speeches, academic research presentation, WeSpeak, discussion panels, meditation sessions and a sightseeing tour etc.

CALL FOR PAPER

1.    Themes

The theme of the Eighth World Youth Buddhist Symposium is "Artificial Intelligence and Buddhism". Papers submitted to the symposium should engage with the following three sub-themes:

•       The Dawning of The AI Age

A.I. scientists aspire to remove humankind’s struggle with uncertainty and unpredictability through intelligence displayed by machines. Can their goals be achieved? Are organisms really just algorithms? Is life really just data processing? Is quality of consciousness more important than intelligence? Will A.I. save or doom humanity? How can humankind adapt to the changes? Should we redefine the meaning of human existence?

•       Faith And Spirituality

In the age of A.I., some believe that data is king and technology is the new religion. Hi-tech gurus in Silicon Valley are brewing amazing technologies that deliver all the old prizes—happiness, peace and justice. In the not-so-distant future, will technology replace religion? What role will technology play on our spirituality and faith: bringing us closer to the truth of the cosmos, or sticking us up deeper onto the path to ignorance?

•       Buddhism in Modern Life

A.I. revolution is reshaping current industries, accelerating economic development and facilitating the rise of the new “useless class”. Consequently, A.I. is now a source of anxiety for many people. In today’s turbulent world, how can Buddhism help to relieve and overcome anxiety, foster harmony among humans and with nature, and develop self-awareness? How can Buddhism help to cope with the existential dread from virtual reality, derive meaning and value from the experience, and eventually awaken the Buddha within each of us?

2.    Paper Submission

Please first submit the application form for the symposium (click the icon below for registration) before sending your paper in APA style to wybuddhist@163.com.

The submission deadline for the full paper is April 4, 2018.

Scholars who work in a research institute or university as well as university students or recent graduates from a bachelor or master’s program are welcome to submit their papers. Upon your paper submission, you will have the priority over audience member applicants to be chosen for the symposium.
Please include the words “Artificial Intelligence and Buddhism, 2018  paper submission” in the email title.

3.    Best Paper Award

The organization committee will review all the paper submissions and select winning papers (3 First Prize, 6 Second Prize, 10 Third Prize, and 20 Memorial Award).

Best Paper Award finalists may have chance to be invited to present their work in the “Guest Speak” or “WeSpeak” sessions for 15-20 minutes. The winning papers will be included in the conference proceedings and published on the conference’s digital platforms.

CALL FOR PARTICIPATION

You can choose to participate in the symposium as an audience member. Please submit your application form (click the icon below for registration) before April 4, 2018.

The Organization Committee will send out an official letter of invitation via email if your application is accepted by April. To confirm your attendance, you will be required to pay US$50 non-refundable registration fee. Attendees with financial difficulties are eligible to apply for fee waiver.

The organizers reserve all the rights to make final decisions on all related issues of the symposium.

CONTACT

Email: wybuddhist@163.com

Official website: www.wybuddhist.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/WorldYouthBuddhistSociety

For more information about symposium schedule, please review and refer to the 7th World Youth Buddhist Symposium at: www.wybuddhist.com/yth17/eng/index.asp 

 
Announced by:
Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai, Thailand
Cherntawan International Meditation Center
World Youth Buddhist Society