University of Twente Philosophy Lectures 2024-2025
23 January 2025, 15:45-17:30, LA 2409
(Reception to follow, hosted by Ideefiks, in LA 2507)
Anna Puzio
Postdoctoral Researcher, University of Twente
Title: University of Avatars: On LLMs and Avatars for Research and Education
Abstract: This talk focuses on large language models (LLMs) and bots trained on material from specific researchers, which reproduce their work and generate novel output. I will present examples of LLMs and chatbots such as LuFlot, DigiDan, and AUTOGEN, and reflect on the implications for research. What are the consequences for knowledge production? How is knowledge being transformed? And how can LLMs accommodate and embrace the plurality of knowledge systems? The talk will also explore a future scenario: What would a university look like if we communicated only through avatars?
Bio: Dr. Anna Puzio is a postdoctoral researcher in ESDiT and the Philosophy Section at the University of Twente. She studied philosophy, German language and literature, and theology, and has held positions in Münster, Munich, Frankfurt, Vienna, Oxford, and Cambridge. Her research focuses on the anthropology of technology, the non-human, relational approaches such as New Materialism and more-than-human approaches, diversity, robot ethics, and the intersection of religion and AI. She completed her doctorate in Munich on the anthropology of transhumanism.
