MSU welcomes partner Pontifical University Antonianum to campus AI conference
Contact: Mary Pollitz
STARKVILLE, Miss.—Mississippi State continues its global footprint through a joint artificial intelligence conference with its Italian partner, the Pontifical University Antonianum, on MSU’s campus today [April 8].
Hosted by the university’s International Institute, the conference brought together faculty, students and staff to explore the societal, ethical and legal implications of artificial intelligence, further strengthening collaboration between the two institutions.
Featured speaker Michael Anthony Perry, PUA grand chancellor from 2013–2021, focused on society’s response to the rapid advancement of AI technologies.
“There are two temptations,” he said. “To treat uncertainty as a threat and the second danger is overconfidence in the belief that we already understand enough to move forward without caution and without reflection.”
Speaking to approximately 100 attendees, Perry emphasized the far-reaching impact of AI as it becomes increasingly embedded in daily life.
“AI must be evaluated, not only by what it produces, but by what it consumes and requires,” he said. “…AI is not just a technical matter. It’s a social, ecological, philosophical, ethical and spiritual matter.”
Additional presentations highlighted other perspectives on artificial intelligence. PUA Philosophy Professor Andrew Bizzozero examined hypotheses for anthropology in AI, while University of Alabama Law Professor Yonathan Arbel addressed the legal status of AI agents. MSU’s William L. Giles Distinguished Professor Christopher Snyder and EDGE Theory CEO Joe Strandinger also presented, with the day concluding in a roundtable discussion.
The Starkville conference builds on ongoing collaboration between MSU and PUA. In mid-March, the institutions convened an international conference focused on the ethical use of artificial intelligence and the newly launched International Observatory for Integral Intelligence, Ethics and Public Value, a center dedicated to examining the ethical, legal and cultural dimensions of AI.
As part of the expanding partnership, MSU also is enhancing study abroad and research opportunities in Rome. University delegates recently visited the future home of MSU’s international programs, where a historic convent is being renovated to provide housing and academic space for students studying abroad.
The Rome Center will mark MSU’s first international residential academic facility, serving students across all majors and further advancing the university’s global engagement efforts.
Mississippi State University is taking care of what matters. Learn more at www.msstate.edu.