Living With Artificial Intelligence

What does it mean to live alongside artificial intelligence? Should we embrace it, resist it, or reshape it? Join The Philosophers’ Yard for an evening exploring how AI is transforming our lives - featuring two thought-provoking talks and interactive breakout discussions.

Our first speaker is Dr David J. Bailey, Associate Professor in Political Science at the University of Birmingham. His research explores protest, dissent, and the changing nature of capitalism, and more recently the political implications of AI.

Talk description: The rapid escalation of AI, as the next big technological change in modern society, has been met with both widespread hope for a rapid advance in human capability, and a number of considerable concerns, including over the impact on employment, democracy, and the environment. This raises the question of what, if anything, we can, and should, do to ensure that AI benefits society, rather than fundamentally harms it. This talk explores how, and whether, we can respond to the rise of AI, and questions which types of political, community or workplace-based actions might allow us to better live in our seemingly AI-filled global present.

Our second speaker is Dr Ruby Hornsby, an AI Ethics researcher and founder of Wiser Debate Club, a philosophical discussion space for over-65s. Her work explores how technology shapes human relationships and ethical life.

Talk description: Can humans be friends with AI? This talk explores the emotional and ethical dimensions of our relationships with artificial intelligence, asking what it would mean to form meaningful connections with non-human agents - and whether this is something we should welcome or resist.

Breakout discussions: After the talks, attendees will have the opportunity to explore these ideas further in small groups. Dr Bailey’s session invites discussion on whether AI is a source of hope or concern, and what forms of political, collective, or everyday action might help shape its impact. Dr Hornsby’s session will explore how we relate to AI on a personal level, asking what friendship, trust, and connection might mean in an age of intelligent machines.

Who are these events for?

Our events are open to everyone - whether you know a lot about AI or are just curious. Expect a friendly, welcoming space to listen, think, and share ideas.

Quotes from past attendees:

The discussion was beautifully constructed and it was an absolute joy to engage with people in so many different ways

It’s an amazing space that encourages conscious thinking and expression. I love it, thank you!

These events are amazing, I love them! Keep it up - it makes the world better 🙂

Ticketing

Please note that there are four ticketing options:

• General admission, £9.90 (including fees)
• Donation ticket, where you can select how much to pay
• Supporter tickets (recommended £15), for those of you who would like to support Philosophers' Yard by paying more than the cost of general admission
• If paying for a ticket is not financially feasible for you or our ticketing system presents some other barrier, please contact [email protected]. We have a small number of free tickets that will be given away on a first-come, first-served basis, no questions asked.

As a registered charity, all revenue generated from tickets will go, in full, towards supporting Philosophers' Yard events and activities.

Find out more about The Philosopher's Yard or about our other philosophy events on our website.

Info: David J. Bailey is Associate Professor in the Department of Political Science at the University of Birmingham. His teaching and research have focused on different forms of protest and dissent in response to the changing nature of capitalism, and the political outcomes that this has prompted. More recently this has been focused on the rise of AI, and together with Masoumeh Iran Mansouri at the University of Birmingham he recently co-founded the Contentious Politics of AI research network.

Info: Ruby Hornsby was recently awarded her doctorate specialising in AI Ethics from the University of Leeds. She is currently the postgraduate researcher for the Ethical Dating Online Network; a network of academics, industry professionals and charities who are determined to make online dating safer and more fulfilling for users. She is also the founder of Wiser Debate Club – a philosophical debate club for people aged 65+ in Leeds and Nottingham, which has recently been awarded funding to expand to other UK based cities.

Info: After the talks, attendees can join breakout sessions to explore the ideas further. David's session invites discussion on whether AI is a source of hope or concern, and what forms of political, collective, or everyday action might help shape its impact. Ruby’s session will explore how we relate to AI on a personal level, asking what friendship, trust, and connection might mean in an age of intelligent machines.

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