Debates

Format

We will have two formal debates as part of the AC workshop. Each debate topic has a motion with 2 to 3 people assigned as either "for" or "against". Prior to the start of each debate the audience opinion will be polled (but not publicly shared) on the position. Following the debate the audience will be polled a second time to illustrate the impact of the arguments. 

Each debate will begin with opening statements (around 10-15min) from each side. Back and forth discussion will proceed, following by closing arguments. 

Debate 1: Foundation Models and Embodiment

Motion: Embodiment is essential for the development of robust and flexible artificial intelligence with sufficient understanding of our world. The current progress in foundation models will stall before reaching the capabilities we seek unless we give embodied AI systems a central role.

Debate 2: Future of Academic Research

Motion: Academic computer vision research in the age of large-scale models cannot continue as we used to know it. From now on, significant advances are bound to be dominated by large, well-resourced teams in industry or countries prepared to invest large amounts of money into major computing infrastructure, and most of the artifacts resulting from these efforts will not be publicly accessible or easily reproducible. Individual PIs or Ph.D. students in universities will be reduced to a supporting role at best; many will be forced to exit the field or significantly redefine the scope of their inquiry.