The City Council of Indianapolis convened on May 23, 2025, to discuss the implications of artificial intelligence (AI) on American national security, as part of the Great Decisions 2025 series. The meeting featured a range of discussions focused on the integration of AI in various sectors, particularly in business education and healthcare.

The session began with an exploration of how AI can serve as a strategic tool for businesses. A representative from the University of Indianapolis shared insights on how students are being trained to utilize AI effectively. Two years prior, the university initiated a program encouraging professors to experiment with AI technologies. This approach aimed to familiarize students with AI's capabilities and applications in real-world business scenarios. The representative emphasized the importance of understanding AI not only as a tool for efficiency but also as a competitive advantage in the job market. Students are taught to leverage AI for tasks such as financial analysis, where they can input extensive data to evaluate investment opportunities.

The discussion also highlighted the ethical considerations surrounding AI use in academia. The university has implemented strict policies against plagiarism, reinforcing that students must produce original work rather than relying solely on AI-generated content. Despite these measures, the representative acknowledged that instances of academic dishonesty persist, a challenge faced by educational institutions nationwide.

Transitioning to the healthcare sector, the conversation shifted to AI's role in medical diagnostics. The representative noted that AI has shown promise in areas such as breast cancer detection, where machine learning algorithms can analyze vast datasets of mammogram images to identify cancerous patterns. This technology is viewed as a complementary tool for medical professionals, enhancing their diagnostic capabilities rather than replacing them.

The meeting concluded with a consensus that AI's influence will continue to grow, particularly in the next five years, as advancements in technology evolve. The discussions underscored the need for ongoing education and ethical considerations as society navigates the complexities of AI integration across various fields. The City Council plans to revisit these topics in future meetings, recognizing the significant impact AI will have on national security and other critical areas.