Casey Hart

Speaking

Ontology, knowledge graphs, and the philosophy of AI

I speak to technical and non-technical audiences about ontology and philosophy. Talks are clear, example-driven, and pitched to your audience. Questions encouraged! Jokes are usually bad, but in high enough quantity to find at least one that works.

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Example Topics

Philosophy Outside the Academy

Philosophy is the paradigm academic pursuit. But it shouldn't just stay in the academy. Casey provides concrete examples of how philosophy has informed his career in technology, and he gives practical examples for how students can develop marketable skills without abandoning philosophical curiosity.

What is Ontology? And How Do I Use It?

Everyone has an ontology, whether they know it or not. This talk takes us from the philosophical roots to the present uses of ontology in modern business contexts. Depending on the audience, this can be an introductory discussion, or it can go more deeply into architectures and tech stacks that most effectively leverage ontology for specific needs.

Do LLMs Understand Anything?

LLMs are everywhere, and they are spectacular. As many times as the goalposts have moved, LLMs still seem to meet the challenge. Is it time to start taking seriously the possibility that AIs are conscious? That they understand what we are saying and are not merely 'stochastic parrots'? Casey engages with the rich philosophical, technical, and psychological terrain for a careful examination.

Media Interview

Casey is passionate about combatting the sensationalist news cycle about AI. Yes, AI is doing new and wonderful, and sometimes fearful, things. No, we do not need to yield to grifters in helping to shape that narrative. If you are a news organization who wants thoughtful coverage by someone who just wants to get the story right, please reach out.

Newcomb's Paradox, Rationalism, and The End of The World

Are you a one boxer? Or two? (There's a right answer, but it's controversial.) Casey discusses the classic thought experiment, following it through the twists and turns of causal decision theory, to rationalism and Harry Potter fan fiction, to the Doomers who warn of the existential risk of artificial intelligence. Ideas arise in context, and you can't appreciate where we are today without a careful examination of how we got here.

Have a different topic in mind? I am happy to tailor a talk to your event. I love interactive discussions and dialog.

Formats

About Casey

Casey is a PhD philosopher who found his way into ontology via Cycorp in Austin, Texas. Since then, he has spent the past decade building data models for small companies, startups, Amazon, and everything in between. His YouTube channel Ontology Explained was his way to combine his love for teaching and synthesizing ideas with the range of academic and industry topics that he probably spends too much time thinking about.

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Booking

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