Environmental Behavioral Sciences Seminar

The Art of Seeing: AI and Human Perception

This presentation discusses how digital technologies, particularly AI and neuroaesthetics, are transforming our understanding of human perception. By examining the intricate ways in which we cognitively and emotionally engage with our surroundings—whether observing an ancient artifact in a museum, a historical site, or a natural landscape—we gain deeper insights into the complexity of vision. Vision is not merely a function of the visual brain; it is a multimodal experience that engages motor, sensory, and emotional networks. By employing neuroscience tools like EEG, AI, and eye-tracking, researchers can map the neural processes behind our responses to objects and environments, revealing how perception, memory, and aesthetic appreciation are intertwined. These insights not only illuminate the cognitive mechanisms that shape our perception of the past but also hold relevance for modern society.

In particular, AI and neuroaesthetic models informed by human cognitive patterns offer new ways to present complex environmental and societal data, aligning with human decision-making processes. Through the lens of AI, we explore the art of seeing in a way that fosters deeper connections between humanity and its environment.

Biography:

Maurizio Forte, PhD, is William and Sue Gross Distinguished Professor of Classical Studies Art, Art History, and Visual Studies at Duke University. He was a pioneer in digital archaeology and the first archaeologist working in a Supercomputing Center (CINECA) in the 80-90s.  He was recently awarded the Saint Francis Prize in Techno-Humanities 2024 for his work in the field of Digital Humanities. This Prize is to be presented to individuals or institutions in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the development of technologies in the humanities for the well-being of humankind.