In 2002, artificial intelligence remained in its formative stage. Despite extensive efforts, the aspiration to attain humanlike reasoning and contextual awareness in computers had yet to be achieved. To seek a way forward, a select group of researchers gathered for “The St. Thomas Common Sense Symposium.” AI trailblazer Marvin Minsky, alongside his mentee Pushpinder Singh, played a central role, with philosopher Aaron Sloman also participating. After the symposium, Minsky, Singh, and Sloman produced a paper detailing the collective thoughts on realizing humanlike AI.
The paper illustrates the hurdles encountered by early 21st-century AI. Nonetheless, one statement stands out today. In a concise acknowledgments section, the authors state, “This meeting was made possible by the generous support of Jeffrey Epstein.” The symposium took place in the Virgin Islands, known for being the location of Epstein’s notorious island retreat. Reflecting on this gathering sheds light on the status of AI and the symposium’s questionable benefactor.
Unfortunately, a predatory individual like Epstein managed to penetrate the science and technology sectors, establishing ties with prominent figures. Epstein’s connections with individuals such as Bill Gates and Minsky have been extensively documented. Virginia Giuffre, an Epstein survivor, claimed in a deposition that she was directed to engage in sexual activities with Minsky at Epstein’s island; Minsky’s spouse, who asserts they only visited Epstein’s residences in New York and Palm Beach, has refuted the claim, which surfaced after his death. Epstein passed away in prison in 2019, and Giuffre tragically ended her life in 2025.
For many of Epstein’s scientific and technology associates, their connection to him became a source of shame or worse. Epstein infiltrated these communities by sponsoring intimate gatherings featuring noteworthy attendees. I attended the 2002 “Billionaire Dinner” at TED, where Epstein interacted with Sergey Brin, Jeff Bezos, Rupert Murdoch, singer Naomi Judd, and leading scientists, some of whom traveled on Epstein’s plane. Literary agent John Brockman, whose roster included prominent scientists, served as a gateway for Epstein into these groups, with Epstein financing Brockman’s science-focused nonprofit.
A source acquainted with Epstein remarked on his genuine interest in scientists. The source claimed no awareness of Epstein’s misdeeds and spoke anonymously. “I perceived him as an eccentric, affluent individual who relished surrounding himself with intriguing people and scientists, and who was curious about the world,” the source commented. “He was as captivated by the scientists’ personalities as he was by their research.” Epstein recognized why he was embraced in these circles, telling journalist Jeffrey Mervis in 2017, “I’m not more than a hobbyist in science. But money I grasp, and I’m a fairly competent mathematician.”
Epstein’s involvement casts a pall over the 2002 symposium. But how did the gathering come to be? My source disclosed the previously unknown backstory. “Jeffrey expressed admiration for Marvin and enjoyed engaging in discussions about AI with him,” the source recounted. At that time, AI was not widely accepted. “People were doubting AI’s potential,” my source observed. The notion arose to host a small AI-focused gathering around Minsky. (It remains uncertain whether the event was financed by a $100,000 contribution from Epstein to support Minsky’s research.)
It was determined that the event would center on insights from Minsky’s prominent student, Singh. In 1996, Singh authored a paper titled “Why AI Failed,” contending that achieving humanlike intelligence necessitates systems endowed with common-sense knowledge and adaptable application. Constructing such systems, he noted, fundamentally equates to solving AI. Despite the obstacles, he stated, “we have no option but to confront it directly.” (Bill Gates remarked, “I believe your observations regarding the AI domain are accurate.”)
The St. Thomas symposium sought to tackle this challenge head-on. Organizing the event proved to be a daunting task. An original roster of potential participants lacked notable figures and required improvement. Ultimately, the guest list featured Roger Schank, an AI theorist whose obituary was marred by attendance at the event and a brief stint at Trump University. Doug Lenat, recognized for the ambitious CYC project, and Vernor Vinge, credited with the concept of the AI singularity, also participated. UK philosopher Sloman, nearing 90, was a later addition, included at Minsky’s invitation. Sloman remembered, “I recall Epstein provided extravagant resources, including a private aircraft to the venue.”
