Big data technology and data science illustration. Data flow concept. Querying, analysing, visualizing complex information. Neural network for artificial intelligence. Big data technology and data science illustration. Data flow concept. Querying, analysing, visualizing complex information. Neural network for artificial intelligence. Big data technology and data science illustration. Data flow concept. Querying, analysing, visualizing complex information. Neural network for artificial intelligence.

Big Brains Podcast
James Evans

Are we making AI too human?

Prof. James Evans, a UChicago sociologist and data scientist, believes we’re training AI to think too much like humans—and it’s holding science back. In this episode, Evans shares how our current models risk narrowing scientific exploration rather than expanding it, and explains why he’s pushing for AIs that think differently from us—what he calls “cognitive aliens.” Could these “alien minds” help us unlock hidden breakthroughs? And what would it take to build them?

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MACSS combines solid foundations in data science and programming with student-tailored research interests in the social sciences. MACSS students develop knowledge, skills, and expertise in computational methods through conducting social scientific research. This distinguishes us from traditional data science programs.