Nobel Prize Winner Thomas J. Sargent Explores AI and Economics at HKU Business School
Nobel Laureate Professor Thomas J. Sargent delivered a public lecture at the University of Hong Kong’s Business School on November 25, focusing on the relationship between artificial intelligence (AI) and economics. The event was held at the HKU Graduate House and garnered significant attention, attracting over 1,300 registrants and nearly 10,000 views through live streaming.
Insights on AI and Decision-Making
In his lecture, Professor Sargent highlighted the significance of intelligence in areas such as pattern recognition, generalization, and decision-making. He characterized AI as a tool designed by humans that aims to augment human judgment rather than replace it. He observed that while individuals have developed intuitive capabilities in fields such as statistics, biology, and economics, these instincts may not effectively address the complexities of contemporary issues. Additionally, Professor Sargent noted that AI tools could both reflect and amplify these challenges, indicating a need for educational institutions to address these gaps in their pursuit of knowledge and innovation.
Professor Cai’s Acknowledgment
Professor Hongbin Cai, Dean and Chair of Economics at the HKU Business School, acknowledged Professor Sargent’s longstanding intellectual curiosity and commitment to examining essential economic questions within the context of AI’s impact on research and society. Professor Cai commented on Sargent’s engagement with both foundational and emerging economic issues, which exemplifies scholarly excellence.
Fireside Chat Highlights
After the lecture, Professor Jin Li, the Zhang Yonghong Professor in Economics and Strategy and Director of the Centre for AI, Management and Organisation, moderated a fireside chat with Professor Sargent. This discussion further examined the interplay between AI and economics, engaging a diverse audience.
Alignment with HKU Business School’s Mission
This lecture aligns with the HKU Business School’s mission to function as a global educational hub that fosters critical dialogue and enhances the academic experience for students and the wider community. It also aims to influence future discussions on key global economic topics.
About Professor Thomas J. Sargent
Professor Thomas J. Sargent is recognized for his contributions to the development of rational expectations theory in economics. He was awarded the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences in 2011, along with Christopher Sims, for his empirical work on cause-and-effect relationships in the macroeconomy. His research incorporates the concept that households and firms make predictions about the future based on their rational understanding of the economy, which has implications for the creation and effectiveness of monetary and fiscal policies.
For more information about the event, contact details for representatives at the HKU Business School are available.
(Original article source: HKU Business School)
