Explore the transformative impact of social computing and AI on scientific research in this thought-provoking talk by James Evans, Director of the University of Chicago's Knowledge Lab. Delve into the evolving landscape of social science as it transitions from qualitative studies of small groups to quantitative analyses of vast datasets generated by human-machine interactions. Discover how AI can reveal blind spots in scientific inquiry, the importance of diverse teams in innovation, and the ethical considerations of developing "alien" intelligences. Examine the concept of Social Computing and its potential to revolutionize our understanding of complex systems, scientific discovery, and the pursuit of wisdom. Gain insights into machine-assisted inference, experimental design, algorithm development, and the challenges of creating a common language for human-AI collaboration. Consider the implications of this new paradigm for scientific practice, team-building, and the future of human-machine partnerships in the quest for knowledge. Read more