About this episode

Dr. Kevin Kambo discusses the nature of AI as a form of simulated intelligence in relation to classical philosophy.

Dr. Kevin Kambo argues that AI should be understood less as genuine intelligence and more as a highly sophisticated form of simulated intelligence, like a mirror that reflects patterns without understanding them. This lecture was given on March 10th, 2026, at Southern Methodist University. For more information on upcoming events, visit us at thomisticinstitute.org/upcoming-events . About the Speakers: Kevin M. Kambo is an assist ant professor of philosophy at the University of Dallas in Irving, TX. Before completing his doctoral studies at the Catholic University of America, he earned a bachelor of science in Chemistry at Stanford University and worked as an intellectual property paralegal in Manhattan, NY. Dr. Kambo specialises in classical Greek philosophy, particularly on Platonic moral psychology and on the dramatic elements of Platonic dialogues. He also works on the reception of Platonic thought through history, from late antique (e.g., in Clement of Alexandria and Augustine of Hippo) through contemporary (e.g., W. E. B. Du Bois and Simone Weil) thinkers, and has broader scholarly interests in philosophy of technology, philosophy and literature (especially tragedy)…

People in this episode

Guest: Dr. Kevin Kambo

Topics covered

• Artificial Intelligence
• Philosophy
• Classical Greek Philosophy
• Platonic Thought
• Technology
• Moral Psychology

Keywords

• AI
• Aristotle
• Athens
• Idolatry
• Image
• Plato
• Truth
• Psalms
• Genesis

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Southern Methodist University, University of Dallas

Books & works: Star Wars

Places: Irving, TX, Manhattan, NY

More episodes of The Thomistic Institute

• John Henry Newman on Following Your Conscience – Dr. Christopher Mooney · April 24, 2026 · 57 min
• The Gift of Disability and the Hope for Healing – Prof. Paul Gondreau · April 23, 2026 · 50 min
• Thomas Aquinas and the Philosophy of Punishment – Dr. Peter Koritansky · April 22, 2026 · 53 min
• The Roots of the Church in the Old and New Testament – Prof. Nina Sophie Heereman · April 21, 2026 · 51 min
• Becoming a Good Conversationalist: How Not to Bore, Boast, or Otherwise Blather . . . and More! – Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P. · April 20, 2026 · 34 min
• St. John Henry Newman’s Idea of the Saint – Dr. Rebekah Lamb · April 17, 2026 · 44 min

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the The Thomistic Institute podcast page.