Machines Like Us - Philosophy | Trinity College Dublin

Public Autumn Series 2025

From fake news to robot co-workers, artificial intelligence is no longer on the horizon, it’s here, and it’s already changing how we live, work, and relate to each other. This autumn, the School of Social Sciences and Philosophy brings together leading voices to explore what this disruption means for society, democracy, and the future of human life. Across four thought-provoking evenings, we ask where AI is taking us- and whether we’re ready.

26 Aug 2025

'Machines Like Us? The Ethics of Artificial General Intelligence'

Date: Thursday, 2 October 2025
Time: 7.00pm - 8:30pm
Location: JM Synge Theatre, Arts Building, Trinity College Dublin
Tickets: This event is free to attend, but spaces are limited. Secure your place in advance through the Eventbrite link below.

Is humanity ready for superintelligent AI?

From robot soldiers to AI lovers, the rise of Artificial General Intelligence- machines as smart (or smarter) than humans- has moved from fiction to serious prediction. Join philosopher Dr Will Ratoff as he explores the ethical, social and existential dilemmas we might face as we build minds that could out-think our own. Should we keep going? Should we stop? And what happens if we can’t?

About the Speaker

Will Ratoff is an Assistant Professor of Philosophy at Trinity College Dublin. His research interests lie in moral philosophy - especially the ethics of AI - and the philosophy of mind and of cognitive science.

Want to learn more about the 2025 Public Autumn Series?

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