MMA Learning Lab – a series of 90 minute workshops on a range of topics designed to spark curiosity, brought to life by MMA experts and special guests.
"Finding Human Intelligence in an Age of AI" celebrates Maria Mitchell as the perfect example of human intelligence that no artificial system can replicate. Using Mitchell's 1847 comet discovery as the central story, the talk explores what made her extraordinary—not raw computational power, but years of patient observation that built deep pattern recognition through her intimate relationship with the night sky.
As we face questions about AI's capabilities, Mitchell's story reveals why human intelligence remains irreplaceable: we learn through embodied experience with the natural world in ways that create genuine understanding, not just data processing. This talk positions Mitchell as a pioneering example of the kind of Earth-connected intelligence we need to cultivate today, making her legacy directly relevant to contemporary audiences wondering what makes humans unique in an age of smart machines.
This program is designed to be interesting for adults. This program meets at the MMA Research Center, 2 Vestal St. Nantucket MA. Pre-registration is required.
Cost Per Participant: $20, free to members
Contact email: programs@mariamitchell.org
Cancellation and Refund Policy: We understand that plans change! Because we are a small non-profit that benefits from the contributions made by our generous patrons and supporters, cancellations make it more challenging for us to manage program enrollment. Tickets are non-refundable, should you choose to cancel. However, tickets are eligible for an exchange before the date and time of the scheduled program subject to a $5 rescheduling service fee, per reservation, and program availability. If you wish to reschedule, please contact us at info@mariamitchell.org.
In the event of a complete event or program cancellation by us ticket-holders will receive a ticket exchange or refund. Requests for exchanges or refunds must be made in writing, and received, no more than seven days from the date printed on the ticket. Rescheduling is not guaranteed and is based on current availability. No refund or credit will be given if the ticket holder requests a time that is unavailable for any reason.
All offerings are subject to cancellation by the MMA at any time, with or without notice for reasons deemed necessary by the organization. In the event of a cancellation by us, we will make every effort to provide a ticket exchange at an amenable date and time to both parties and if we cannot, we will refund the purchase and credit the original payment method.