Dr. Walter Witschey, professor of Anthropology and Geology at Longwood University, will present a talk on “A World Turned Upside Down” at 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 2, at Mathews Memorial Library.

Witschey will explain the how and why of getting computers to “think” like humans, presenting an overview of what that means in a rapidly changing world.

Exploring in greater depth specific uses of Artificial Intelligence, Witschey will examine what areas, such as health care, are showing the greatest success. His presentation will conclude with a summary of the formidable challenge that China policy and progress in AI poses to our society.

Artificial intelligence can sometimes seem like science fiction mumbo jumbo, said a press release. Its growing use, however, means it’s an approaching reality. It’s not just making its way into medicine and computer technology, said the release, but it is increasingly confronting humans in their everyday activities, as well.

“We all have fears ...