Robot Theologian, Author Anne Foerst Speaks April 7

SALISBURY, MD---Is there a link between spirituality and robotics? This is the question Dr. Anne Foerst asks in her book God in the Machine: What Robots Teach Us About Humanity and God.

Foerst speaks on her work as a self-described “robot theologian” during her presentation “The Community of Humans and Non-Humans” 3:30 p.m. Friday, April 7, at Salisbury University’s Devilbiss Hall Auditorium. Foerst worked on artificial intelligence projects including Cog (a model of hand-eye coordination and learning) and Kismet (an example of emotional mirroring through voice and facial expression) at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the 1990s. In her book, she integrates keys ideas behind the development of artificial intelligence with a consideration of the Judeo-Christian legend of the Creation from Genesis.

Following her talk, an SU faculty panel further discusses the issue. Panel participants include Dr. Joerg Tuske of the Philosophy Department, Drs. Dean Defino and David Parker of the Computer Science Department and Dr. Jason McCartney of the Psychology Department.

The English Department, Charles R. and Martha N. Fulton School of Liberal Arts, Richard A. Henson School of Science and Technology, Mathematics and Computer Science Department, Philosophy Club and Bellavance Honors Program sponsor the event. Foerst’s talk is free and the public is invited. For more information call 410-543-6030 or visit the SU Web site at www.salisbury.edu. "