“Curiosity, discovery and critical thinking are what’s behind science, and what sets us apart”.
That is the take of Inês Lynce, President and researcher at INESC-ID, who recently participated in an episode of “Diálogos Convergentes” (“Convergent Dialogues”), a podcast by Gerador. In this episode, Inês Lynce discussed with journalist, Tiago Sigorelho, what makes human thought different from a machine.
Throughout the conversation, the researcher shared key insights on the evolution of AI, its regulation, and the role of expectations in the increasing popularity of this tool. What was highlighted the most, however, was the importance of critical thinking, which, according to Inês Lynce is what mainly differentiates people and AI.
The topic goes on to note that nothing should ever be done without careful consideration beforehand: “never use a text without reviewing it, never use an image without appreciating it critically, never spread alarming news without checking the sources”.
Finally, as an avid advocate for gender equality, the president of INESC-ID voiced her concerns regarding the fact that some academic fields still present a considerable gender imbalance, which not only represents a loss for women who would be interested in pursuing those areas, but also a loss for the field itself, that would benefit from their contributions.
The podcast “Diálogos Divergentes” is an initiative by Gerador and Ciência Viva, where science and journalism come together through a talk between invited scientists and journalists, to ponder and discuss the frontiers of human knowledge and to better understand the world we live in.
Listen to the full episode (in PT) here.