The group known as the Sewanee Night Owls, comprising a diverse assembly of individuals, congregated at the McGriff Alumni House during specific late hours to partake in discussions revolving around intellectually stimulating theoretical subjects, occasionally sparking debates. Dr. Mark Hopwood, an esteemed associate professor of philosophy at the university, drew inspiration for this initiative from a counterpart at The University of Chicago. It is worth noting that currently, Sewanee and The University of Chicago stand as the exclusive hosts of such gatherings.
The central aim of the Night Owls gathering is to cultivate a welcoming setting for informal dialogues spanning a wide spectrum of topics. On the evening of Thursday, November 16, the participants delved into the inquiry, “Is Artificial Intelligence Making Your Degree Obsolete?” engaging in a lively exchange of diverse perspectives. Distinguished guest speakers at this event included Dr. Stephanie Batkie, an accomplished associate professor of English, and Dr. Sid Simpson, a dedicated instructor of political science. While Batkie made her debut as a guest speaker at Night Owls, Simpson had previously contributed to multiple sessions. Dr. Hopwood ensures that each attendee at Night Owls and every philosophy major student receives a pin as a token of participation.
Night Owls now extends a warm invitation to all students interested in joining conversations or simply listening, broadening the scope beyond philosophy majors or individuals with a background in the field. The gathering is further enriched by the provision of coffee, hot chocolate, and an assortment of treats to all participants, creating a pleasant ambiance conducive to intellectual exchanges.
The recent session witnessed a myriad of viewpoints on Artificial Intelligence (AI) surface, with some expressing apprehensions regarding potential job displacement and the diminishing value of degrees in light of AI advancements. Conversely, others displayed optimism, regarding AI as a valuable asset. One individual shared their use of AI to streamline email management, prioritizing essential emails over less urgent ones. Meanwhile, some attendees remained neutral towards AI, acknowledging its advantages while being mindful of its shortcomings. Dr. Hopwood, Dr. Batkie, and Dr. Simpson offered diverse insights and posed stimulating questions for attendees to ponder and respond to.
The essence of Night Owls lies in nurturing sustained dialogues through the exchange of queries and feedback. The event timings are consistently indicated as “8 p.m. – late” on all promotional materials, a deliberate choice elucidated by Dr. Hopwood at the outset of each session. This flexible timeframe allows for uninterrupted discussions until participants naturally disperse due to fatigue, with smaller groups leading to more intimate and engaging conversations as individuals are encouraged to gravitate towards the center.
If this depiction resonates with you, be sure to watch out for the upcoming Night Owls gathering!
