Maths, Memes & AI: an exploration through performance

Artificial Intelligence has become a major focal point for so much research in mathematics, science, linguistics and the arts. But what does it mean for a computer to be genuinely intelligent? Does it even make sense to talk about computers in these terms?

When we start to try and answer these questions, we are drawn to more fundamental questions around how our own human understanding arises and how it works.

In this public lecture, Neil Saunders will explore ideas of human and artificial intelligence from a range of viewpoints: philosophical, mathematical, artistic and memetic. Drawing on recent and historical work of Dennett, Searle and Seth and with selected readings from David Harrower's powerful play Knives in Hens by professional actors, this talk will explore how language is central to intelligence and understanding, whether that be human or artificial.

About the author

Dr Neil Saunders is a Senior Lecturer in Mathematics at the University of Greenwich in London. His research focuses on geometric and combinatorial aspects of representation theory, which is a branch of algebra that studies symmetry in the abstract.

Neil also a member of CREL (Centre for Research and Enterprise in Language) at the University of Greenwich and has a strong interest in language, philosophy of mind and their interactions with AI. In 2019, Neil gave a TEDx talk on the links between creativity and mathematical thinking.