image created by DALL-E using terms purple mammoth in style of starry night, showing a Van Gogh like depiction of a mammoth

About AILA→

We aim to engage a broad, interdisciplinary community of participants in discussions and activities related to artificial intelligence, exploring and facilitating multi-way interactions between work in artificial intelligence and work across the liberal arts.

What is Artificial Intelligence, and how is it changing the world as we know it?

image created by DALL-E of the letters AI against a background suggesting a computer network

There has never been a better time to engage in critical conversation about the diverse applications of AI and to consider the repercussions of its use.

AILA is here to guide you toward scholarship, discussion, events, and other learning opportunities that are interdisciplinary and critically minded. We believe in the importance of asking big questions and thinking about these issues across disciplinary boundaries. Explore our library of:

  • AI Ethics Discussion
  • Tools and Resources
  • Events to help learn and reflect
  • AILA Newsletter

What We Do

image created by DALL-E of a robot reading a newspaper

Find out what is happening in AI now and how it may affect your interests. We provide a curated list of AI-related news articles!

image created by DALL-E using terms terras irradient, showing abstract image of a lit terrace

Want to engage in conversations about Artificial Intelligence? Send us ideas for articles and comment on any of our blog posts to get the conversation started!

image created by DALL-E of a robot at the podium in a lecture hall

Want to learn about upcoming events and talks organized by us? Check out our upcoming and past events through our Events page!

image created by DALL-E of a robot holding a wrench

Interested in how you can use Artificial Intelligence? Want to read up on blogs and tutorials about AI tools and more?


Join us in critical conversation and learning at our next event!

Upcoming Events:

Would you like to develop innovative solutions to win prizes? How about making Amherst a better place through technology and AI? As achieving sustainability becomes the primary goal of our generation, this year’s Hack the Herd invites teams to harness AI-driven solutions to make Amherst College more sustainable. Over the span of 24 hrs, you and your friends will have to build and pitch a project that tackles the complex and multi-faceted challenge of sustainability. This year’s Hack The Herd seeks to build on our previous year’s success, and together with the Office of Sustainability, Ideas 2 Innovation Venture Accelerator, you will be sure to have a thrilling experience!


Spring 25 Events:

Following our screening of Her, we’re thrilled to welcome Professor Mark Firmani from the LJST department to lead a discussion on the thought-provoking themes raised by the film. Her explores the evolving relationship between humans and technology, raising critical questions about intimacy, identity, and the nature of connection in an increasingly digital world. Beyond its vision of AI companionship, the film also invites us to reflect on how technology shapes human relationships with one another, the boundaries of emotions, and what it means to love. Join us for a deep dive into these ideas and more as we unpack the film’s philosophical, legal, and emotional implications.

AI in the Liberal Arts is hosting a movie screening of the film “Her” starring Joaquin Phoenix. The film is a science-fiction romantic comedy-drama that follows a lonely writer who develops a romantic relationship with an artificial intelligence operating system. Did you know that this film led to a lawsuit between OpenAI and Scarlett Johanson? Join us for the screening on the 26th and a discussion event the following week with Professor Firmani from LJST.

AI in the Liberal Arts recently hosted an illuminating discussion on generative AI that brought together students from all disciplines to explore the dynamic world of artificial intelligence.