Recently, researchers at Concordia University launched a new research project called "Abundant Intelligences," aimed at reexamining the development direction of artificial intelligence (AI). The project highlights that current AI development models possess inherent biases against non-Western concepts of intelligence, particularly in relation to indigenous cultures. The goal of the project is to integrate indigenous knowledge systems to construct an inclusive and comprehensive concept of intelligence and intelligent behavior, thereby promoting the advancement of future technologies.
The core idea of the project emphasizes the decolonization of the future of AI. Project researcher Ceyda Yolgörmez stated that AI, during its development, has inherited certain concepts and ideas rooted in the colonial era, especially concerning industrial production. This "scarcity mindset" has led to the over-exploitation of resources, further exacerbating the neglect of indigenous cultures. Jason Edward Lewis, the lead author of the research group, pointed out that the aim of the Abundant Intelligences project is to dismantle this scarcity mindset and create a space that accommodates diverse intelligences.
The research project not only focuses on the preservation and promotion of indigenous languages but also addresses urgent issues such as environmental sustainability and reimagining public health solutions. The main activities of the project will take place across various research clusters in Canada, the United States, and New Zealand, which will closely collaborate with indigenous-centered research and media laboratories.
Additionally, the project will collaborate with professionals from the AI industry, hoping to open new research directions through this interdisciplinary cooperation and raise new questions regarding mainstream AI research. For instance, how can rigorous systems be built based on limited resource data (such as different indigenous languages)? How can multi-agent systems that recognize and support non-human participants be developed? Lewis emphasized that this approach serves both as a complement to mainstream AI research and as an alternative, especially in studies involving indigenous language datasets.
Key Points:
🌍 The new research project "Abundant Intelligences" aims to integrate indigenous knowledge and reexamine the development direction of AI.
🤝 The project emphasizes decolonization, dismantling the scarcity mindset, and creating an inclusive concept of intelligence.
🔍 Researchers collaborate with indigenous culture holders and AI professionals to explore new computing practices and research questions.
