Human Agency, Dharma Transmission and the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence

Student led discussion with Master of Arts (Applied Buddhist Studies) students Sheena Anderson and Jodi Bush

• Hosted by Dr Elizabeth McDougal
• April 15 2026
• 12.00pm-1.15pm (AEST)
• Event will be held online via Zoom

AI promises efficiency and innovation, yet as we hand over our capabilities to machines, what are we trading in return? In this NTI Conversation, Master of Arts (Applied Buddhist Studies) students Jodi Bush and Sheena Anderson, will discuss their research on the ethical and practical implications of artificial intelligence – and the distinctive practices Buddhism offers for navigating the AI era.

Jodi will challenge current AI Alignment discourse, arguing that its focus on human values and intentions overlooks a fundamental question — how do we proactively safeguard human agency and capabilities? And in this context, what strategies can Buddhism offer for navigating our relationship with artificial intelligence?

Sheena will explore AI’s impact on monastic teachers and the integrity of Dharma when transmitted via non-embodied entities. She highlights ethics, mental discipline and wisdom from the Noble Eightfold Path as valuable guides for Dharma students engaging with AI. Sheena’s interest is in human and posthuman evolution through Dharmic enquiry with all that arises, including AI as an extension of human potential and limitations.

Tickets are free; however, registrations are essential.