Ghost fictions: Automatic Writing in the Age of Machine Learning

Computational techniques for generating ‘natural’ language through statistical models created using huge datasets in conjunction with neural networks have advanced rapidly in recent years. These ‘Large Language Models’, such as GPT-3 and BERT, can be used for a wide range of tasks with little or no modification, including writing short stories, answering philosophical questions and apparently proposing potential medical treatments -- although GPT-3 did have some difficulty with the question “how many eyes does a horse have?”

This workshop will delve into the production of such ‘synthetic’ or ‘ghost-written’ texts combining insights from speculative fiction, computer science and digital humanities, through a combination of demonstrations, discussion and hands-on experimentation with automated text generation.

No knowledge of programming is required. Participants who wish to take part in the practical experiments will need a Google account.

Contributors:

Dr Anne Alexander - Director of Learning, Cambridge Digital Humanities, University of Cambridge

Professor Caroline Bassett - Professor of Digital Humanities and Director of Cambridge Digital Humanities, University of Cambridge

Professor Alan Blackwell - Professor of Interdisciplinary Design, Computer Laboratory, University of Cambridge

Dr Joseph Walton - Research Fellow in Digital Humanities/Critical and Cultural Theory (Media and Film) University of Sussex

Thursday, 20 May, venue - online

Live session 1: 11:30am – 1:00pm

Lunch break / experimentation lab: 1:00 – 2:30pm

Live session 2: 2:30 - 3:30pm

This event is free, but booking is required. Details about how to join the session will be shared 24 hours in advance via email to registered attendees.