An AI Future That Honors Dignity for Everyone: Howard University President Delivers MIT’s Compton Lecture

In a thought-provoking address at MIT’s annual Karl Taylor Compton Lecture, Howard University President Ben Vinson III urged for the ethical and wise development of artificial intelligence, emphasizing that technological advancement should prioritize humanity. Delivered on Monday at MIT’s Samberg Conference Center, Vinson’s lecture, titled “AI in an Age After Reason: A Discourse on Fundamental Human Questions,” explored the profound implications of AI on society, ethics, and human agency.

Vinson challenged the audience to consider whether AI enhances the pursuit of virtue and wisdom or risks automating critical aspects of human reflection. He questioned whether increasing reliance on AI for decision-making and artistic creation signals progress or a surrender of human agency.

Drawing upon historical context, Vinson suggested that universities play a crucial role in guiding AI development, separating genuine risks from unfounded fears, and ensuring that AI is developed ethically and adapted thoughtfully within society. He noted that AI serves as a “Rorschach test” for society’s hopes and anxieties, with optimists viewing it as a productivity revolution and pessimists warning of potential dangers like mass surveillance and job displacement. Vinson predicted the reality likely falls between these extremes, evolving through cycles of inflated expectations, disillusionment, and pragmatic inspiration.

MIT President Sally A. Kornbluth, in her introductory remarks, highlighted Karl Taylor Compton’s transformative role in shaping MIT into a global research university and fostering a partnership between the federal government and research universities. Introducing Vinson, Kornbluth praised his energy, positivity, and forward-thinking leadership.

Vinson, who assumed the presidency of Howard University in September 2023, previously held prominent positions at Case Western Reserve University, George Washington University, and Johns Hopkins University. A historian specializing in the African diaspora in Latin America, Vinson is a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and a former president of the American Historical Association.

Vinson distinguished AI from previous technological revolutions by noting its focus on cognition, creativity, decision-making, and emotional intelligence, rather than merely extending human labor. He stressed the importance of discussing the profound effects of technological change on society, asserting that AI is about power, justice, and the very essence of being human.

Reflecting on the potential impact of AI on humanistic scholarship, Vinson questioned whether a world with fewer humanities truly represents human progress. He concluded by advocating for a dedicated approach to AI development, guided by wisdom, foresight, and an unwavering commitment to the common good.

“Let’s guide the world through this transformative age with more wisdom, with foresight, and with an unwavering dedication to the common good,” Vinson stated. “This is not just a technological moment. It is a moment that calls for a form of intellectual courage and moral imagination. Together, we can shape an AI future that honors dignity for everyone, and at the same time, advances the ideals of humanity itself.”