In a series of media briefings, the Religion Media Centre delves into a study of the relationship between science and religion today
You can watch all three events on the Religion Media Centre Youtube channel here.
In a series of media briefings, the Religion Media Centre delves into an extensive study of the relationship between science and religion today, asking questions about whether robots might one day have souls (or rights), whether scientific discoveries could lead to immortality, whether artificial intelligence will replace friends – and whether the public wants them to. The research was undertaken by Dr Nick Spencer and Dr Hannah Waite, from Theos, a think tank on religion in society; and The Faraday Institute for Science and Religion. Data came from an extensive YouGov survey of more than 5,000 UK adults, and over one hundred in–depth interviews with leading scientific and religious thinkers, in a project funded by the Templeton Religion Trust.
Journalist and broadcaster, Rosie Dawson, hosts all three discussions. Sign up for each session here.
Tuesday 24 May 1400: Spiritual Silicon – could robots one day have souls?
With guest panellists including:
- Nick Spencer, Senior Fellow at Theos
- Rabbi Laura Janner Klausner, Rabbi at Bromley Reform Synagogue and former Senior Rabbi to Reform Judaism
- Prof Neil Lawrence, Deep Mind Professor of Machine Learning, University of Cambridge
- Prof Kathleen Richardson, Professor of Ethics and Culture of Robots and AI, de Montfort University, Leicester
Tuesday 31 May 1400: The promise of scientific immortality – who wants to live forever?
With guest panellists including:
- Nick Spencer, Senior Fellow at Theos
- Rabbi Laura Janner Klausner, Rabbi at Bromley Reform Synagogue, and former Senior Rabbi to Reform Judaism
- Prof Neil Lawrence, Deep Mind Professor of Machine Learning at University of Cambridge
- Rev Dr Joanna Collicutt, psychologist of religion, University of Oxford
Tuesday 7 June 1400: Drivers, Doctors, Friends – who will AI replace?
With guest panellists including:
- Nick Spencer, Senior Fellow at Theos
- Rabbi Laura Janner Klausner, Rabbi at Bromley Reform Synagogue, and former Senior Rabbi to Reform Judaism
- Prof Neil Lawrence, Deep Mind Professor of Machine Learning at University of Cambridge
- Prof Dame Sue Black, Pro Vice Chancellor at Lancaster University, and President of the Royal Anthropological Institute
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