Over the last year, AI has been advancing at unprecedented speed. Tools like ChatGPT are taking the drudgery out of many of our everyday activities and creating exciting possibilities. But alarm bells are ringing. As we become increasingly unable to differentiate between the virtual and the real, what risks lie ahead? Are we on the verge of a future where machines ‘awaken’ and pose a threat to humanity?

Join Intelligence Squared on June 1 as we partner with the Swedish publishing house and ideas forum Fri Tanke to explore the philosophical and political implications of AI, virtual reality, and the mystery of consciousness. David Chalmers, a leading figure in techno-philosophy and consciousness studies, will join a panel of experts in technology, ethics and psychology to delve into some of the most pressing questions facing humanity today.

Is a temporary halt to AI development necessary to address its potential risks? What ethical considerations should guide AI research and implementation? Will AI ever achieve true consciousness, and if so, how should we approach this development? These are just some of the fascinating topics that will be tackled in this thought-provoking event. Don’t miss your chance to engage with this critical conversation.