Keep learning about AI and social change

November 19, 2019

Keep learning about AI and social change

“This is how the twenty-first century began: with sophisticated persuasion allying with sophisticated technology to advance the pettiest possible goals in our lives. It began with the AI behind the system that beat the world champion at the board game GO recommending videos to keep me watching YouTube longer.”

James Williams, Stand Out of our Light: Freedom and Resistance in the Attention Economy, Cambridge University Press, 2018.

photo of Anna Lauren Hoffman, Ece Kamar and Shankar Narayan on stage at Global Challenges event
Anna Lauren Hoffman (iSchool), Ece Kamar (Microsoft) and Shankar Narayan (ACLU) talk tech ethics at 2019 Global Challenges event

Speakers from Microsoft, UW iSchool and the ACLU shared stories and answered questions about technology, ethics and social change in our large public conversation on November 6. Student concerns about lack of privacy, equity and safety prompted our 90-minute Global Challenges conversation on how to imagine and participate in responsible steering of emerging technologies.

Connect with other interdisciplinary leaders

Honors Global Challenges speakers address a variety of complex issues in society and many of them teach and do research at the University of Washington. As you navigate information and ideas about technology, ethics, and social change, we encourage you to learn more about UW’s new CENTER FOR AN INFORMED PUBLIC, founded by a collection of brilliant activist educators, including former Global Challenges speakers Kate Starbird and Hanson Hosein and recent Honors seminar guest lecturer, Ryan Calo. CLICK HERE to RSVP to the center’s public launch on December 3. Current UW students also have many course options revolving around Global Challenges.

Suggested reading

The Code by UW faculty/historian, Margaret O’Mara 

The Master Algorithm by UW machine-learning faculty/thought leader, Pedro Dominguez

Stand Out of Our Light by Oxford-trained philosopher, James Williams

Stay connected with Honors

An AI researcher, a civil rights lawyer and a digital rights activist have a lot to talk about. One thing they all agree on: interdisciplinary thinking is the key to a better future. And Honors is proud to be fostering these connections and leading these conversations.

photo of student posing a question, short line behind him
Honors students value multiple perspectives and to question the answer

Honors is a catalyst for students to create, experiment, and excel as artists, engineers, scientists, business leaders and everything in between. We foster collaboration across disciplines by encouraging students to explore and learn to value multiple perspectives in while navigating complex global issues. If you love this approach and want to stay informed about events and news in the Honors community, subscribe to our news list

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More details (including speaker bios and photos and video taken at this event) are available HERE.