Overview
April @ 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Discover the fascinating interrelation between literature, philosophy, theology and ethics, and how these subjects are vital for considering the human future.
This taster day is perfect for anyone considering studying English, Philosophy, or Theology at university. You’ll see not only why these subjects are exciting to study but also why they are becoming renowned for enhancing career prospects, providing skills that are increasingly valued in an AI-driven future.
Join us and unlock your potential to study these transformative disciplines!
Sign-up
If you’d like to attend, please contact Louise Hickman at l.hickman@staff.newman.ac.uk.
Schedule
- 9.30 Welcome and Session 1
- 10.45 break
- 11 Session 2
- 12 break
- 12:30 campus tour
Session 1: Would aliens put humans in zoos?
If you put something in a zoo, what assumptions are you are making about it? Zoos date back at least as far as Ancient Egypt, but what is their purpose, and what do zoos reveal about the choices and value judgements we make? Imagine a scenario where intelligent aliens invade Earth鈥攚ould it be wrong for them to put us in a zoo?
This session will explore these questions through the lenses of English literature and philosophy, showing how a combination of both subjects can offer insights into our reflections about both zoos and human beings.
Session 2: Are you ready for the future? A.I. in fiction, ethics, and theology.
The idea of artificial intelligence goes back over 200 years: it is at the heart of Mary Shelley鈥檚 novel Frankenstein, about a humanoid who becomes a monster and turns on the scientist who created him.
This session will explore how science fiction like this has shaped our current attitudes to AI, and the ethical and theological questions we think are important today.
Is it really 鈥榩laying God鈥� to make AI? Is AI something to be feared? Could it become religious? And how would we know? So many questions! They are in urgent need of debate because they will shape our future, so please come and join us today in thinking about them.