CTMF Flagship Lecture: Wisdom for an Artificial Age

Join us for our CTMF Flagship Lecture, where we will hear from Professor John P. Sullins (Sonoma State University) on, 'Wisdom for an Artificial Age.'

Artificial Intelligence has confronted philosophy in five different intellectual wars, wars that consumed philosophers and other thinkers as the technology of AI advanced from a mere idea to the headline-dominating technology that it is today. AI technologies have had a disruptive history that even their proponents have found concerning. Professor John P. Sullins will review this history and explore the surprising role that human wisdom is playing to help us navigate the challenges of AI technologies and create a more humane future.

Don't miss out on this thought-provoking event, taking place on Wednesday, 15th October 2025 at the Edinburgh Futures Institute and online. Doors open at 17.45.

Professor Sullins' lecture will be followed by a reception.

This event is free, but tickets are limited. Please register if you plan to attend.

John P. Sullins is Professor of Engineering and Computer Science at Sonoma State University and co-director of the Sonoma State University Center for Ethics Law and Society (CELS). He is coauthor of the book Great Philosophical Objections to Artificial Intelligence: The History and Legacy of the AI Wars (2nd ed. in 2026). His research includes AI ethics for security and defense as well as building ethical competency in robotics applications. He has published extensively on topics in the philosophy of technology, philosophical issues of artificial intelligence and robotics. Professor Sullins is involved in industry and government consultation involving ethical practices in technology design and deployment. He was the co-author of IEEE Courses on Ethics, AI, and Autonomous Systems as well as chairing the committee on Affective Computing for the IEEE “Ethically Aligned Design: A Vision for Prioritizing Human Well-being with Autonomous and Intelligent Systems.” He also co-chairs the IEEE Standards Committee P7008 - Standard for Ethically Driven Nudging for Robotic, Intelligent and Autonomous Systems.

Please note this is a hybrid event. Online joining instructions will be posted on the Eventbrite, and sent to virtual attendees on the day of the event.

Important notice: This event will be photographed/recorded, and images may be used for future marketing, promotional or archive purposes. If you would prefer not to be photographed, please let organisers know at the event.

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