The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the way we live, work, and relate to ourselves, each other, and the world around us. Whilst some believe that AI holds the potential to drive improvements in policy making, governance and equality, this powerful technology also presents significant threats to our inner lives, our relationships, and our individual and collective sense of purpose.
In this talk, we will delve into the complex and multifaceted world of AI, exploring the various ways it may impact inner life, communication, online/offline dynamics, peacebuilding, and our future.
How might patterns of communication be impacted by AI and the online world? What impact will AI have on our symbols, stories and spirituality? How will digital threats influence the way we recognise ourselves and each other? Is there a path forward that can balance the benefits and risks of AI and the online world? What might this path look like?
Paula Boddington is Associate Professor of Philosophy and Healthcare in the Geller Institute of Aging and Memory, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of West London. From 2015 to 2018, Paula worked on the research project ‘Towards a code of ethics for artificial intelligence research’ through the Future of Life Institute with a grant from Elon Musk and the Open Philanthropy project, in the Computer Science Department of the University of Oxford. This project considered challenges and opportunities towards developing an ethical framework for the future of AI. The research project drew upon lessons in the ethical regulation of other areas of emerging technologies, such as in medicine and genomics.
Adrienne Brooks is a Senior Advisor on the Technology for Development team at Mercy Corps, specialising in digital peacebuilding and programs addressing online harms and conflict. She manages the T4D portfolio covering Digital Peacebuilding, Digital Information Services, and Digital Community & Civic Engagement, working with teams to achieve programmatic outcomes. Prior to this role, she managed the monitoring and evaluation for the T4D team, designing and implementing information ecosystem assessments and evaluations. Prior to her work at Mercy Corps, Adrienne worked at Habitat for Humanity on U.S. domestic housing issues, and served as a broadcast journalist in the U.S. Army. She has a Masters of International Economics and Conflict Management from Johns Hopkins University’s School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS).
In our polarised age, debate is commonplace. Speakers are invited to weaponize their ideas, to oppose, to challenge, to try and ‘win’. Sometimes this approach to conflict is necessary. But when we must consider the most challenging crisis we face spiritually, socially, culturally, and ecologically, it is not clear that debate is the most fruitful model. We believe that instead, we must cultivate the courage to approach difficult conversations differently. How can we discover new ways of exploring challenging topics and conversations with those we radically disagree with? How can we create a space in which we listen for the purpose of learning? How can we engage in truly transformative and courageous conversations?
Through each of our Tent Talks, we invite speakers to show up with an open heart and an open mind into a space where they can listen, learn, and delve deeper into controversial, complex and thought-provoking topics. Attendees will have the opportunity to reflect on their own beliefs and gain new insights from the perspectives of others, providing an opportunity for personal growth and a deeper understanding of the complexities of each person’s perspective.
The events will be held in our Bedouin Tent, which was designed using the principles of sacred geometry. Its design carries a hint of the architecture of AlAndalus – southern Spain during the mediaeval period when Jews, Christians and Muslims lived alongside each other, sharing the space and enriching each other’s cultures.
Harriet is working on our Faith and Moral Courage project, helping to conceptualise and organise our events and programmes for this theme. She also writes and designs new content for our social media platforms and is helping us to grow our online presence. Harriet is particularly interested in viewpoint diversity from a peacemaker’s perspective. She is also working on an event series that seeks to find new ways to approach conversations that are often difficult, controversial and conflict-ridden.
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