Greek Epic and Artificial Intelligence is the title of a future International Online Conference set for Friday 25 & Saturday 26 September 2020.

The Research Group Novel and Epic, Ancient and Modern in the Department of Philosophy, Classics, History of Art and Ideas at the University of Oslo are pleased to issue a Call for Papers for our International Online Conference Greek Epic and Artificial Intelligence.

The conference aims to explore early artificial intelligence concepts in Greek epic. Participants are to look at how Hesiod, Homer and Apollonius Rhodius – and potentially the authors of the fragmentary epics – have elaborated on what seem to be some of the first literary texts dealing with automata and the quest for artificial life as well as technological intervention improving the human life. The organizers are also equally interested in the reception of these in later/contemporary literature and culture.

Academics in Classics and related disciplines may submit a talk proposal. The conference is set for Friday 25 and Saturday 26 September 2020 on Zoom and will be open to the general public.

Confirmed Speakers include:

– Maria Gerolemou, University of Exeter (Hephaestus’ Automata in Homer and Beyond)

– Genevieve Liveley, University of Bristol (Talos)

– Adrienne Mayor, Stanford University (Pandora, Made Not Born)

– Brett M. Rogers, University of Puget Sound (Robo-Dogs, Artificial Intelligence, and Self-Rule in Homer and Archaic Greece)

Paper Submissions

Papers should last no longer than 25mins and each will be followed by a 10min discussion. Please submit titled abstracts of no more than 200 words by emailing a pdf attachment to both organizers by Wednesday 22 July: Dr. Andriana Domouzi ([email protected]) and Prof. Silvio Bär ([email protected]); please include name, affiliation and a short bio in a different attachment.

Abstracts will be reviewed anonymously and submitters will be notified shortly after the deadline. We may publish the outcomes of the conference at a later stage depending on the preferences of the participants (details to be discussed at the end of the conference).