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.
Series Details
Dates: Thursdays, September 25, October 2, 9 & 16 2025
Time | 7.00pm - 8.30pm
Location | JM Synge Theatre, The Arts Building, Trinity College Dublin
Admission | FREE (registration required- see Eventbrite links below)
A New Sociology of Humans and Machines
What if machines weren`t just tools, but part of society itself?
As AI systems grow more sophisticated, they`re no longer just answering our questions or speeding up tasks- they`re shaping how we think, cooperate, and make decisions. In this wide-ranging lecture, sociologist Professor Taha Yasseri invites us to rethink the relationship between people and machines. Could we be entering an era where the social isn`t just human anymore?
Time | 7.00pm - 8.30pm
Location | JM Synge Theatre, The Arts Building, Trinity College Dublin
Admission | FREE
Machines Like Us? The Ethics of Artificial General Intelligence
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 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?
Time | 7.00pm - 8.30pm
Location | JM Synge Theatre, The Arts Building, Trinity College Dublin
Admission | FREE
The New Economic Order with AI
Will AI reshape the global economy, or just widen the gap?
AI is transforming workplaces and boosting productivity, but it also threatens to deepen inequality and create “winner takes all” markets. Join economist Dr Jian Cao as he explores the ripple effects of an AI-driven economy and how societies and governments can adapt. Can we harness this power without leaving people behind?
Time | 7.00pm - 8.30pm
Location | JM Synge Theatre, The Arts Building, Trinity College Dublin
Admission | FREE
Democracy and AI: Navigating the Political Risks
Can democracy survive the age of artificial influence?
From deepfakes to algorithmic newsfeeds, AI is shaping how citizens see the world, and how they vote. This panel investigates how AI technologies are influencing public debate, spreading misinformation, and targeting vulnerable groups. Join three political scientists as they explore how democratic systems can adapt and respond.
Time | 7.00pm - 8.30pm
Location | JM Synge Theatre, The Arts Building, Trinity College Dublin
Admission | FREE