UM Professor Reflects on AI, Ethics, and Compassion Dialogue with the Dalai Lama

Cummings, professor of writing and rhetoric and executive director of UM's Academic Innovations Group, joined scholars and spiritual leaders for the Mind & Life Institute’s 39th Dialogue, “Minds, Artificial Intelligence and Ethics.” The invitation-only event convened leading voices in science, technology and contemplative practice for the Oct. 13-17 event to explore how emerging technologies can serve, rather than undermine, human compassion and wisdom.

“I learned so much and met many new colleagues who brought an amazing depth of Buddhist thought to the challenges of AI,” Cummings said. “In particular, I was encouraged by the work of my co-panelists Marieke van Vugt, Ani Choyang, and Chiara Mascarello, who helped me see the challenges of AI for human flourishing with a new, and perhaps hopeful, perspective.”

Throughout the weeklong event, Cummings engaged with international experts who discussed a wide range of topics, such as the risk of replicating human creativity through generative artificial intelligence technology as well as other skills that could be reduced when using evolving digital resources.

An expert in digital writing tools and chair of the university’s AI task force, Cummings shared a presentation on the third day of the conference that can be viewed here. He began with a visualization exercise he practices with Ole Miss students in his writing class before breaking down some of the past, current and potential future impacts of generative AI on American higher education institutions.

Meeting the Dalai Lama face-to-face was the pinnacle of the weeklong experience. A powerful moment Cummings described as humbling and deeply affirming

“At first, I thought I was going to meet a Buddhist version of the Pope. But the Dalai Lama has described himself as a simple Buddhist monk, and unlike a pope he technically has no jurisdiction over others.” Cummings said. “So much of his profound power extends from his humility and understanding of the human condition. I wish other world leaders emulated this approach.”

Cummings expressed gratitude and humility over receiving the invitation to the diverse conference after his colleague, Marc Watkins, a UM lecturer in writing and rhetoric and renowned AI expert, was initially invited but unable to participate. His participation builds on his ongoing research into AI’s role in higher education and writing instruction happening campus- and nationwide.

 “The University of Mississippi’s reputation for leading conversations about generative AI’s impact on society is internationally recognized,” Watkins said. “Bob Cummings, along with many other remarkable UM faculty and researchers, continue to meaningful shape our human response to this technological revolution.”