Event details

As the promises of artificial intelligence attract growing social, political and financial attention, risks and responsibilities are being imagined in ways that serve the interests of a techno scientific elite.

In the UK and elsewhere, organisations are starting to institutionalise a mode of governance that presumes to know and take care of public concerns. And new research communities are forming around questions of AI ’safety’ and ‘alignment’.

In this talk, I will draw on research into public and expert attitudes and reflect on my role as a proponent, analyst and actor in debates about ‘Responsible AI’.

The Webster annual lecture will also offer us the opportunity to celebrate Professor Colin Campbell’s 60 years of work and service to the Department of Sociology at the University of York.

Colin was one of the first sociologists to join the University in 1964, serving as Head of Department for five years, and continues to enrich our community as an Emeritus Professor. He is renowned for his work on religion, consumerism, action theory, cultural change, and not least, The Beatles, captivating large audiences with insights on the band’s cultural impact and the close study of their lyrics.

Speaker

Professor Jack Stilgoe, University College London

Learn more about the Andrew J Webster Annual Lecture