The Eclectic Dialectic Salon
A quarterly gathering of a small group of individuals with diverse backgrounds. The intent of the salon is to uncover connections and false dichotomies between apparent contrasts. Chatham House Rules apply. The topics of each salon will be listed here.
Digital vs. Analog
23 June, 2026
Are these really different – isn’t anything “digital” implemented in something “analog”? If digital is merely the representation of a thing, are words digital?
“Ceci n'est pas une pipe.” (“This is not a pipe.”) – Magritte
“Any translation is a betrayal.” – proverb
Real vs. Artificial (17 October, 2026)
17 October, 2026
Are these just different perspectives of any given entity? What is the relationship between honesty and openness?
Process vs. Artifact (Jan/Feb, 2027)
TBD Jan/Fed, 2027
When do we care about one or the other, or both? What does the law protect? At what milestone should AI be allowed to claim legal personhood? Should a forgery be as valuable as the original? Does the end justify the means?