This event has now passed. You can listen to the event recording on YouTube here.

Should we be optimistic or pessimistic about technology progress?

As AI and transformative technology rapidly advance, so too do debates about its impacts. Concerns focus on job loss, societal fragmentation, and the potential for unchecked power in the hands of a tech-savvy elite. Conversely, advocates highlight historical fears of progress, emphasising the democratising effects of past innovations like the printing press and the internet. They contend that technological strides hold solutions to major global challenges. Tensions between precautionary measures and fostering innovation shape the discourse and prompt many questions: What technological advancements can we anticipate over the next few years and what impact might it have? How should leaders view technological development? Should we be creating pre-emptive legislation or is that a burden on innovators? Is technological development really inevitable? How will society continue to debate the ethical consequences of new technologies?

Speakers:

Professor Caroline Jay, Professor of Computer Science and Head of Research in the School of Engineering, The University of Manchester
Timandra Harkness, Broadcaster, Writer and Statistician
Saffron Huang, Co-Director, Collective Intelligence Project
Tamanna Haque, Lead Data Scientist, Jaguar Land Rover

Chair:

Inaya Folarin Iman, Head of Events and Engagement, Civic Future

Date: 5th December 2023
Time: 6:00 – 7:30pm
Address: Lecture Theatre B, Roscoe Building, The University of Manchester, M13 9PL