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Artificial intelligence is still in its infancy, but it’s already upending how we work, write, research, and learn. We’re on the cusp of a technological revolution that will completely transform the way we consume information.
But will AI bring us closer to understanding the world—or will it cause us to lose our grip on reality? That’s the subject of The Free Press’ next live debate on May 15 at the Palace of Fine Arts Theatre in San Francisco. We’re partnering with the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) to bring together four leading experts who will tackle the question: Will the truth survive artificial intelligence?
Aravind Srinivas, founder and CEO of Perplexity AI, and Fei-Fei Li, the esteemed computer scientist known as the “godmother of AI,” will argue that this technology will enhance our knowledge and understanding. They’ll face computer scientist Jaron Lanier and Superbloom author Nicholas Carr, who will make the case that AI will do just the opposite. Bari Weiss will moderate.
This debate goes beyond concerns about ideological bias and censorship in AI systems. We’ll dig into pressing questions like: Will AI-driven recommendation algorithms trap us in deeper echo chambers? Will automated content farms manipulate public discourse? And what will the rise of deepfakes mean for our ability to distinguish fact from fiction?
VIP tickets include access to our exclusive debate after party, where you can chat with Bari and members of The Free Press and FIRE teams, mingle with the debaters, and connect with fellow attendees IRL. Plus: strong drinks and great food. You won’t want to miss it. Note: the location will be communicated to VIPs closer to the event, and it will be within a 10 minute drive from the Palace, with ample parking available.
Palace of Fine Arts Theatre
3301 Lyon Street
San Francisco, CA 94123
Cross the Golden Gate Bridge and follow signs indicating Downtown San Francisco. Stay to the left and take the Marina exit; you’ll see the sign overhead. While you might be tempted to take a right at the first stop light (Lyon Street) and pull directly into the Palace of Fine Arts, pass the Lyon Street entrance and proceed straight on Marina Boulevard. Then:
NOTE: Avoid bearing left on Marina Boulevard; that stretch of Marina Boulevard turns into an onramp for Highway 101 and the Golden Gate Bridge. If you inadvertently end up on the approach to the Bridge, don’t worry; you’ll have a chance to exit to the right just before the toll plaza. You can then make your way back to the Palace of Fine Arts through the Presidio or retry the directions from above.
Cross the Bay Bridge. Follow the signs to the 9th Street exit. Stay in the right-hand lane. Go one block and turn right onto 9th Street. Stay in the left-hand lane. Immediately after Market Street, veer left onto Hayes Street. Then:
NOTE: Avoid bearing left on Marina Boulevard; that stretch of Marina Boulevard turns into an onramp for Highway 101 and the Golden Gate Bridge. If you inadvertently end up on the approach to the Bridge, don’t worry; you’ll have a chance to exit to the right just before the toll plaza. You can then make your way back to the Palace of Fine Arts through the Presidio, or use the directions “From the North Bay,” above.
Take Highway 101 North to the Market Street/Van Ness exit. Take Van Ness to Lombard (look for signs to the Golden Gate Bridge). Turn left onto Lombard. Once on Lombard, get into the right-hand lane. Then:
NOTE: Avoid bearing left on Marina Boulevard; that stretch of Marina Boulevard turns into an onramp for Highway 101 and the Golden Gate Bridge. If you inadvertently end up on the approach to the Bridge, don’t worry; you’ll have a chance to exit to the right just before the toll plaza. You can then make your way back to the Palace of Fine Arts through the Presidio, or use the directions “From the North Bay,” above.
Follow 19th Avenue through Golden Gate Park; 19th Avenue becomes Park Presidio Boulevard on the other side of the Park. Follow signs for the Highway 101 Detour. Then:
NOTE: Avoid bearing left on Marina Boulevard; that stretch of Marina Boulevard turns into an onramp for Highway 101 and the Golden Gate Bridge. If you inadvertently end up on the approach to the Bridge, don’t worry; you’ll have a chance to exit to the right just before the toll plaza. You can then make your way back to the Palace of Fine Arts through the Presidio, or use the directions “From the North Bay,” above.
The Palace of Fine Arts Theatre has convenient access to public transportation. We are accessible by San Francisco Muni buses #30, #43, #28, and #29. Muni bus lines #22, #41, and #45 also stop in the vicinity. From Fisherman’s Wharf take the #30 Stockton bus. For more information, call Muni at (415) 673-6864 or check the SFMTA trip planner.
If you’re taking BART, get off at the Montgomery Street station, walk one half-block up Market Street to Third Street, and catch the #30 Stockton bus on the corner.
Virtually all downtown-bound Golden Gate Transit buses stop nearby the Theatre. Ask your driver for directions or call Golden Gate Transit Information at 511 (toll-free) or 415-455-2000 (outside the Bay Area).
