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From Ancient Languages to Artificial Intelligence: A Historic Leap at the University of Barcelona

  • Jordi Torras
  • Video

Welcome to the old Campus of the University of Barcelona. Under these historic walls, students have been studying languages for centuries. Founded in 1450, the University of Barcelona predates Columbus's discovery of America. In these corridors, countless teachers have taught languages such as Latin, Catalan, Spanish, English, French, and more. Today, the tradition continues with students exploring a wide array of languages, including Tuareg and Euskera, among many others.


What we see here is history in action. Centuries of young people have walked these halls, learning and sharing knowledge about languages. This historic setting provides a unique perspective, allowing us to reflect on the evolution of learning and teaching. It is within this framework of historical importance that I want to introduce an equally transformative topic: the rise of artificial intelligence.

The Journey Toward General Artificial Intelligence

For years, we have been developing artificial intelligence to solve specific problems. AI has excelled in tasks such as playing chess or assisting with navigation and driving. These specialized solutions have shown the potential of AI, but they fall short of achieving what is known as General Artificial Intelligence (GAI)—a type of intelligence capable of solving any problem, just as a human would.

While we are not there yet, technological advancements are bringing us closer. Breakthroughs such as transformer neural networks and large language models are revolutionizing AI capabilities. These models are beginning to solve complex problems and even demonstrate reasoning and logic. In some cases, they are teaching us concepts beyond what they were originally trained to understand.

A Historic Moment in AI Development

We are witnessing a historic moment. The dawn of General Artificial Intelligence is near, and its implications are profound. Just as the University of Barcelona has been a cornerstone for centuries of linguistic and cultural education, AI stands poised to become a defining feature of our era. The ability of machines to reason and adapt marks a significant turning point in the relationship between humanity and technology.

Standing in these halls, surrounded by centuries of history, reminds us that we are living in an extraordinary time. The pursuit of knowledge—whether through language, culture, or artificial intelligence—continues to shape our world in remarkable ways. This is a moment that excites and inspires me deeply, as we are on the verge of a groundbreaking chapter in human history.

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