The Relationship of Artificial Intelligence and Humanity: Andy, the Analysis of a Screenplay
Artificial Intelligence (AI) was once an idea only found in science-fiction. True AI, or Artificial Intelligence that is sentient, self-aware, and possesses a will, has not manifested yet but research suggests that the technology is fast approaching. The script explores the relationship between humanity and AI and the political implications of true AI in human communities. The screenplay follows the story of Andy, the world’s most advanced Android (the Android YSeries), as he struggles to navigate relationships, exercise his autonomy, and embrace his humanity while working for a space tourism company where he is part of the mission team that is sending a spaceship full of tourists to catch a ride on Halley’s Comet. I chose to explore this topic through film as opposed to more formal academic mediums because film provokes thought and introspection by placing the viewer in the shoes of a character. Generally, AI is portrayed in very negative and terrifying ways in film. While that is one possibility, I am exploring the option of an AI that is not driven to destroy humanity but wants to be human. What would that look like? What rights should they have? How should we treat them? These are some philosophical, moral, and political questions I seek to answer by creating a fictional world and exploring what those relationships could look like. The oral presentation will consist of a synopsis of the screenplay and discussion of the process and research that informed the creative decisions taken in the script.
Naomi Sims presenting her research at the Symposium
Naomi Sims with her faculty mentor, Dr. Maura Grady
The department congratulates Sims on her valuable contribution to undergraduate research at Ashland University.
