Guwahati, Oct 19: Emphasising the need to look beyond artificial intelligence’s apparent capabilities and recognise its limitations, Assam Science and Technology University (ASTU), Guwahati, organised a seminar-cum-workshop on ‘Perspectives in the Age of AI’ recently, exploring how critical thinking and broader perspectives can help users navigate the rapidly evolving technology.
Organised by the Entrepreneurship Development Centre in association with its Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) of ASTU, the programme was held at the seminar room of the University Academic Block. ASTU Vice-Chancellor Prof NS Chaudhari addressed the occasion.
Dr Jayanta Biswa Sarma, a renowned medical microbiologist and infection control specialist based in the United Kingdom, delivered the expert seminar.
With over 20 years of experience in the UK National Health Service (NHS), Dr Sarma has held senior leadership positions in microbiology and infection prevention and control. He has also contributed to international research on antimicrobial resistance and healthcare development. This was stated in a press release.
The seminar examined AI’s growing influence across disciplines, highlighting the importance of understanding its limitations, contextual challenges and potential blind spots.
The speaker encouraged participants to look beyond the apparent capabilities of AI and adopt a broader perspective when using emerging technologies.
Drawing comparisons between Greek and Indian philosophical approaches to understanding space, orientation and cosmology, Dr Sarma illustrated how different civilisations interpret the world through distinct frameworks. The discussion underscored the limitations of relying on a single perspective to comprehend complex issues.
The seminar also explored the concept of ‘plausible completeness’ – the tendency to assume that an answer or technological system is comprehensive simply because it appears convincing. Participants were encouraged to question assumptions, identify missing dimensions, acknowledge uncertainty and critically evaluate AI-generated information.
The follow-up workshop saw active participation from ASTU students, researchers, faculty members and staff, who engaged in discussions on the responsible and effective application of AI in education, healthcare, research and public life.
The programme highlighted the importance of combining technological advancement with human judgement, interdisciplinary understanding and critical thinking, reflecting ASTU’s commitment to promoting innovation, entrepreneurship and academic excellence.