Held over two sessions in March 2023, the fourth event in the Edinburgh Futures Conversations Series brought together leading experts from the worlds of science, politics, and civil society to discuss the potential hopes, and fears, for Artificial Intelligence (AI). Image Given the enormous advances in Artificial Intelligence (AI), many believe humanity is on the threshold of the most profound technological revolution it has ever witnessed. AI already affects our everyday lives, and our hopes and anxieties around AI run high. Some predict that further development of AI will put us on a path to human extinction while others believe it will usher in a new era of compassion, non-violence, and prosperity. Against a background of unrelenting cultural and geopolitical tensions, looming planetary catastrophes, and big challenges in global health, justice, and democracy, will AI turn out to be yet another existential risk? Or will it help us address the major challenges of our times? Shaping our AI Futures The flagship panel event opens the fourth in the University of Edinburgh’s Futures Conversations series and will discuss what our AI futures may bring, and to develop ideas for what is needed to advance our collective ability to put AI to the best possible use. Between Two Waters: A Performance Madeline Squire's performance explores the complex relationship between humans and machines, and their coexistence in the world. This article was published on 2024-11-12
