The Dolomites literary festival kicks off on 7 December, opening by talking about artificial intelligence. The exhibition continues for four months until March 15th
Fiction, visual arts, science, mountains. The contents of the International Literature Festival which takes place in Cortina d’Ampezzo (Belluno), now in its thirty-first edition, range across the cultural universe, through the interventions of the characters who will arrive in the historic city of the Dolomites. Francesco Chiamulera, responsible for “A mountain of books”, at the opening of the presentation, in Venice, he says: «We are about to start with thirty meetings, with Italian and world writers. It will continue for four months, from December 7th to March 15th. Together with them we will celebrate the variety of stories that the Ampezzo mountains contain.”
The inauguration of «A mountain of books» is entrusted to an artificial intelligence expert. It is Nello Cristianini, professor of the subject in the United Kingdom, who in Sapiens machine (il Mulino) questions itself about today’s thinking machines, with reference to the Turing test. On the 27th it will be the turn of the scientist Elena Cattaneo, senator for life, to tell stories, between life and research, described in Scientists (Raffaello Cortina). On stage, then, the prince of Italian graphic designers Riccardo Falcinelli, with his Everyone (Einaudi Free style). Current events, between anxieties and dramas, burst in with the testimonies of Paolo Giordano, with a reflection on war, freedom and European borders; and with the French philosopher Pascal Bruckner, expected in February for the premiere of I suffer therefore I am (Guanda), essay on modern victimism. Other names: Federico Rampini (Thank you, West!Mondadori), Francesco Giavazzi, protagonist of a lesson on the Draghi Report, of which he is one of the main authors. Francesco Vidotto who in the novel Honest (Bompiani) deals with international and Italian current affairs, «while independent Ukraine never ceases to be in our thoughts». Aldo Cazzullo and the history of the Bible The God of our fathers (HarperCollins). Furthermore, the voices of Luca Zaia, governor of Veneto, with his reasoning on autonomy; Bruno Vespa, Giuseppe Cruciani.
Since the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics are one year away, the festival is proudly taking charge of it, bringing the “Avalanche Azzurra” to «A mountain of books», through the film by Giovanni Veronesi, commented by the champions Piero Gros, Paolo De Chiesa, Gustav Thoeni. Presented by the journalist Lorenzo Fabiano. And there will be the celebration of 70 years of Alpine Rescue. Approaching March 8, the Festival addresses women’s rights with Cortina high school students in a meeting with Aziza Naderi and Pamela Ferlin. He will discover the interrupted diary of the writer Victoria Amelina, killed by Russian missiles, in Watching women watch war (Guanda), hot off the press, told by Yaryna Grusha who edited it, and Christian Rocca. Main media partners of «A mountain of books» are Corriere Tv del «Corriere della Sera», «Corriere del Veneto», «TeleBelluno». Worth noting is the news, expected in the next few days: the first widespread museum of literature in the Dolomites is nearing completion, created in collaboration with the Municipality of Cortina and the Veneto Region. «Soon – notes Chiamulera – we will reveal to the public all the contents of a new, incredible story».
November 27, 2024 (changed November 27, 2024 | 9:50 pm)
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What philosophical implications does Nello Cristianini explore regarding artificial intelligence in his talk at the Dolomites Literary Festival?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Nello Cristianini, AI Expert
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Professor Cristianini! It’s a pleasure to have you here to discuss your upcoming participation in the Dolomites Literary Festival. The opening event, “A Mountain of Books,” addresses the fascinating intersection of literature and artificial intelligence. Could you share what themes you plan to explore during your talk?
Nello Cristianini: Thank you for having me! At the festival, I’ll be discussing how artificial intelligence is not just a technical challenge but also a philosophical one. My book, Sapiens Machine, dives into the implications of thinking machines and how they challenge our definitions of intelligence and consciousness, with a particular focus on the Turing test. I aim to provoke thought about what it means to be human in an age of advanced AI.
Time.news Editor: That’s a captivating topic! The Turing test has been a yardstick for AI’s capabilities for decades. How relevant do you believe it is in today’s world, especially with the advancements in machine learning?
Nello Cristianini: The Turing test was revolutionary for its time, as it made us assess AI’s capabilities through human-like interactions. However, as AI systems improve, we need to consider broader criteria beyond just mimicking human responses. For instance, can they understand context, express creativity, or hold moral judgments? These are the questions I think we ought to explore in the 21st century.
Time.news Editor: It sounds like a critical evaluation of AI’s role in society. You’re not alone in this—there will be other notable voices discussing pressing themes like war, freedom, and modern victimhood at the festival. How do you see the dialog about AI fitting into these broader conversations?
Nello Cristianini: AI is fundamentally intertwined with many societal issues, such as privacy, security, and even the nature of warfare. For instance, as we automate more aspects of life, we must ask ourselves: who is responsible for decisions made by machines? This can segue into discussions on autonomy and the human condition, which are relevant to themes like those raised by Paolo Giordano and Pascal Bruckner at the festival. It forms a tapestry of inquiry where literature and philosophy intersect with technology.
Time.news Editor: That connection is indeed fascinating and reflects the multifaceted nature of modern discourse. Speaking of connections, what do you hope attendees will take away from your presentation and the festival overall?
Nello Cristianini: I hope attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of AI—not as a mere tool but as a significant factor shaping our future. I want to encourage people to question and critically engage with the technology that surrounds us. The festival itself, with its rich array of voices and perspectives, is a perfect space for such discussions—especially in the inspiring setting of the Dolomites.
Time.news Editor: It sounds like an intellectually stimulating experience. As technology advances, how do you envision the future of literature and arts in relation to AI?
Nello Cristianini: The future of literature and the arts with AI is ripe with possibilities. We are already seeing collaborations between AI systems and artists or writers that push the boundaries of creativity. However, it’s essential to maintain a dialog about the ethical implications. Literature has always been a reflection of humanity; hence, as AI evolves, so too must our storytelling—incorporating both the promise and perils of this technology.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Professor Cristianini. Your insights are incredibly valuable, and I am sure the audience will find your talk both thought-provoking and illuminating. We look forward to your contributions at the Dolomites Literary Festival!
Nello Cristianini: Thank you! I’m excited to engage with everyone and delve into these crucial topics together.