Objectifs globaux : Start to touch on philosophical questions about the park.
Objectifs travaillés : Video, text comprehension.
Resources :
PDF: AI in Westworld – a press review
Video: Robert interviews Peter
Video: Robert and the boy
Contents
The State of AI
AI in Westworld
Read the text AI in Westworld – a press review and prepare written answers to the following questions.
Text Comprehension Questions. Answer each question with a short paragraph.
- What is the main focus of the TV show « Westworld, » according to the article?
- Who did the interviewer, Mach, speak with to learn more about the science behind « Westworld »?
- According to David Eagleman, what is one reason why the future depicted in « Westworld » is distant?
- What is one thing AI is currently good at, according to Eagleman?
- According to Eagleman, what might be a future possibility in terms of preserving consciousness, and what ethical question arises from it?
Open-ended Discussion Questions. Choose one question and answer it in as much detail as you can.
Written: 150 words.
Oral: 3 minutes
- Do you think it’s possible for AI to reach the level of human-like consciousness depicted in « Westworld »? Why or why not?
- What are some potential benefits and drawbacks of achieving human-like AI consciousness, as discussed in the article?
- Reflecting on the quote, « What does it mean for this person to not die? » How do you think society might grapple with the concept of immortality through AI or other means in the future?
- Do you agree with Eagleman’s assertion that the questions raised in « Westworld » are some of the most pressing questions of our time? Why or why not?
- In your opinion, what are some potential applications of AI and neuroscience research beyond entertainment, as depicted in « Westworld »?
Meet your Maker
Peter is interviewed by Robert
Everything runs smoothly in the park until a series of incidents leads Delos’ engineers to investigate the hosts’ programming.
A still from the scene
- Describe the still frame from the series. Use the section title and what you already know about the characters to focus on the differences between them.
- What do you think they will talk about? What questions will Peter ask Robert? Write a short dialogue between the two characters.
The interview
- Why are these characters having the conversation?
- What does this suggest for the future of the park?
- Listen to Peter Abernathy talk. Note information about:
- How he talks.
- The phrases that he says that seem out of context.
- Research these phrases, where do they come from?
- What does this extract suggest about science and its applications?
Robert and the boy
Watch the video and answer some questions